Guernsey

[Mrs. Homesteader]

I am thinking of purchasing a Guernsey cow. Someone told me that they die easily. Have you heard this? What do you see as the pros and cons of a Guernsey.

I already have a Jersey, but she is 16 years old. I have another cow that was supposed to be a Jersey (mother was and they say they AI'd her with Jersey semen), but she looks like a Jersey sized Holstein. I love Jerseys and would love to stick to them, but this Guernsey is due to calve this week (first time) and I would really love to have the instant milk.

Thanks for any help you can give.

[Ronney]

Originally Posted by Mrs. Homesteader

Someone told me that they die easily.

They do? First I've heard of it. I shouldn't imagine they die any more easily than any other breed of cow. While I've never owned a Guernsey, there are several herds of them around my area and I'm sure they wouldn't be milking them if they kept falling over. I should imagine that like the Jersey, they are a fairly robust little cow. If you like the look of her, like her temperament and the price is right for your pocket, go with your instincts.

She is long gone now but one of my biggest cows used to be a Jersey - a big, ugly, raw-boned girl with the temperment of a saint - and she was all Jersey. I milk her daughter by a Jersey bull, and while a little smaller she too is quite large and raw-boned. Neither of them were pretty cows.

Cheers,
Ronnie

[Mrs. Homesteader]

I was actually surprised to hear that as well. They sent me a link to a cow forum where they were talking about it. Plus the people who had told me, said they heard it elsewhere as well. Thanks.

[linn]

I hadn't heard that Guernsey cows die easily. This link states they are noted for their longevity.

http://www.guernsey.net/~wgcf/advantages.html

[Timberline]

Never heard that, either. Die of what? Are they maybe more prone to milk fever (or maybe certain lines within the breed are)?

[Mrs. Homesteader]

Thanks to all.

[tinknal]

I wonder if they mean that , like Jerseys, they can be difficult to raise on a bottle?

[Mrs. Homesteader]

Here is the link they sent me. http://familycow.proboards.com/index...t&thread=30339

[genebo]

The only thing I know about Guernsey cows is that they are the breed that tests the highest percentage for A2 beta casein in their milk. Maybe as many as 70% of all the Guernsey cows that have been tested so far are A2/A2.

That even beats my own favorite breed, the Dexter.

Genebo
Paradise Farm

[springvalley]

I have had several Guernsey cows over the years, the only thing differant about them that I remember is they can be a bit stuborn at times. And they will die if you don`t feed them, but otherwise they are good cows. > Thanks Marc