First time cow/heifer purchase

Looking4ewes · #1 03/10/10, 07:05 AM

How would you advise a first time purchaser wanting a milk cow? In my search, my choices are: 2 yo cross-bred heifer (1/2 jersey, 1/4 short-horn, 1/4 American something) obviously pregnant, bred to a full Jersey bull, due next month; a 5 yo family cow supposedly bred back 4-5 months (I do not know what that means), 1/4 lost to mastitis, used to hand milking; or an 8 yo cow not halter-broke but used to hand milking, supposedly bred to deliver in July. The prices go from top dollar to bargain priced. The 2 yo is from grass-based genetics, looks in fabulous condition, fed no grain. This is important to me, since I have so much grass. The 8 yo is retired from a dairy, fed hay and lots of grain. I'm still gathering information on the 5 yo.

I know that these "What should i do?" topics can be a drag, but I appreciate your experience and advice.

Many thanks,

Wendy

springvalley · #2 03/10/10, 07:29 AM

As the old saying goes "You get what you pay for" says it all. An eight year old cow that has come out of a dairy may not be the best buy. Two year old may be more than you can handle for a first timer.The five year old may be fine, don`t know need more info. Find someone in your area, that can help you with more info in the family cow effort.

willow_girl · #3 03/10/10, 08:26 AM

If you are used to handling cattle and familiar with milking, the heifer may be your best pick.

If you're not, I'd go with an older cow who is accustomed to being hand-milked. She'll show you the ropes!

A kicky heifer is tough enough to deal with in a parlor, let alone for a novice trying to hand-milk.

linn · #4 03/10/10, 08:59 AM

I would hesitate to buy a cow with a bad quarter. The older cow sounds good if the price is right and her udder is sound. I wouldn't pay top dollar for any of them as the 2 year-old is a mixed breed, the five-year-old has a bad quarter and the eight-year-old is past her prime. Is this the cow with the pendulous udder. If so there are points against her and the pros are that she is broke to milk by hand so you don't have to train her. I wouldn't be in a hurry to buy, look around and talk to your neighbors. A middle-aged cow that is bred back, has a good udder and is gentle to milk is worth waiting for.

Looking4ewes · #5 03/10/10, 07:27 PM

Thanks for the advice. I went to see the 5 yo cow today with the 3/4 utter. Apparently she was born with the defect, not due to mastitis. She was okay; milked well, but a bit agitated due to her 1 yo calf being in the paddock with her. The owners had a very hard time separating them. It really drove home the issue of how to manage the calf. The farmer's wife demonstrated milking and even let me have a try. They sent me home with a fresh gallon of raw milk. Delicious! But my head is spinning. Much to think about.

Looking4ewes · #6 03/14/10, 07:57 AM

Well, I think I have my search narrowed down to two animals: a 2yo Jersey with a second calf due in July, and the 2 yo springing Jersey-cross that I mentioned in an earlier post. Both animals are from respected Jersey breeders and from commercial dairy genetics. Both animals are in excellent condition. The full Jersey cow delivered her first calf very young, at 18 months, and so her milk production of 3 gallons/day is below production standards. The owners feels that her production will improve with successive lactations. She is small still, about 650-700 lbs., but he expects her to gain more in stature this next year. She is in milk still, but could be dried-off immediately or by May. She is due to delivery in July. Good tight utter, teats no longer than 3 inches in length, she is a beautiful cinnamon color, and has a curious, friendly personality.

The jersey-cross (1/2 jersey, 1/4 milking shorthorn, 1/4 American lineback), is a strikingly beautiful animal, mostly black with a ticked face and legs, and a jagged white streak along the spine. She is stockier than a full Jersey, weighs about 900 lbs., and is due to delivery her first calf April 30th., bred to a full Jersey bull. High production genetics, her dam produces 8 gallons/day. Halter-broke, tame enough, but not as outgoing as the Jersey. She should produce stockier, meatier calves. Good teat length, inexperienced milker.

The jersey-cross is significantly higher priced than the Jersey, perhaps due to production potential vs. a production cull. The difference in price could fund all my initial cow/dairy supplies. However, price is not the decision priority. I want an animal that will produce enough milk for my two person family, and her calf, and with excess given to feed pigs and chickens. I also require a gentle, good temperament, since I am inexperienced, and she will lead about much with rotational grazing.

Your thoughts are much appreciated.

Wendy