Jersey Steer calf

stifflej · #1 08/23/10, 08:04 AM

Was thinking about getting a Jersey Steer calf to raise for meat. It is currently 3 months old, and I would raise it until November of next year, which would make it about 18 months old when it would go to the freezer. Would this be grown long enough to make it worth while? I know they grow slower then beef breads. Can you that have raised them give me the pros and cons of raising a jersey compared to a hereford or angus? Can he be weened at 3 months without any issues? I do not want to bottle feed. I also have the option of buying a Holstein calf the same age, so any comparisons between the Jersey and Holstein would be great to. Thanks for your input.

topside1 · #2 08/23/10, 08:24 AM

18 months plus is an ideal time to slaughter a Jersey steer and believe me the taste is worth the wait....
Jersey Steer calf - Cattle

topside1 · #3 08/23/10, 08:25 AM

Callieslamb · #4 08/23/10, 02:56 PM

Mine will be 18 months the day after he goes to the butcher next month. He is about 800 lbs on the hoof right now - maybe a bit more.

topside1 · #5 08/23/10, 05:50 PM

Callieslamb sounds like the weight is perfect for the age...You know it's mandatory to invite us to the first BBQ....Topside

haypoint · #6 08/24/10, 02:43 PM

Pro: cheaper to buy.
Pro: Cute.
Con: lower meat to bone ratio.
Con: lower rate of gain. (more costly to feed)

stifflej · #7 08/24/10, 02:47 PM

He is also selling a Holstein/Jersey cross steer and a Holstein steer, any opinions on which is best for beef/best feed conversion ratio?

Thanks.

BlackWillowFarm · #8 08/24/10, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Callieslamb

Mine will be 18 months the day after he goes to the butcher next month. He is about 800 lbs on the hoof right now - maybe a bit more.

Callie, he's more like 1000lbs!

Callieslamb · #9 08/25/10, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackWillowFarm

Callie, he's more like 1000lbs!

We can only hope!! It will be fun to see how much he weighs for real.

Topside - you're ALWAYS invited. He's going in the 21st of Sept. See you a couple weeks after that! We are excited...he's our first.

With only one steer to raise, I don't worry so much about rate of gain, etc. That's for the feed lots that are trying to gain every lb they can. If you have good pasture and good hay- they are going to grow. If you can throw some grain in the mix - so much the better. He is easy to handle and has been a gem (and only cost $25).