Color of cream question

janij · #1 01/26/12, 07:09 PM

Hi all. I have been milking cows for almost 1 yr. I have 3 jersey's in milk at the moment. The one that I acquired most recently had the nicest yellow cream when I brought her home. I bought her from a man who used to have dairy but is not really in the business any more. He feed her a 16% dairy ration. I don't have access to the same feed. I feed mine cracked corn, alfalfa pellets and alfalfa cubes with minerals and wheat germ oil. So why is her cream almost white now? I have been thinking about it recently especially after looking at the butter pictures that piglady put up. Does feed have anything to do with the color of the milk and cream? Or did his get more grass, or something else.
Thanks.
Jani

matt_man · #2 01/26/12, 07:23 PM

Grass with cause the cream and butter to be more yellow. Maybe his had access to a bit more pasture.

genebo · #3 01/26/12, 07:30 PM

It has a lot to do with the feed and a lot to do with the cow. Jersey cows have a hard time converting beta carotene into vitamin A, so the beta carotene goes into the milk. The result is the famous yellow color. It's also responsible for the yellow fat in Jersey beef.

Since the cow hasn't changed, it has to be the feed that has changed the color of the milk. Her new feed must not contain as much beta carotene as her old feed. Look for feeds that are higher in beta carotene. Orange vegetables and leafy green vegetables are recommended for people.

Another possibility is that your minerals are doing a really good job, so she's better able to convert her beta carotene into vitamin A.

janij · #4 01/26/12, 07:54 PM

I was wondering if it was the grass. And yes I give them loose minerals in their feed so I don't have to worry about them getting it if it is just free choice. But I guess that could be part of it. It is still really spoon able just not as yellow. Another reason to look for more space. You guys are so helpful. Thanks.

piglady · #5 01/27/12, 07:53 PM

It is for sure the grass. The yellow is the carotene and that comes from fresh green things. You may be able to get it from really good green alfalfa during the winter. Guernsey's are known for their yellow milk but even they must have something green to eat or their milk turns white. Once spring arrives and the grass starts to grow, you'll get lots of golden milk.

janij · #6 01/27/12, 08:22 PM

Thanks piglady. I think I may just have to AI one of my jersey's to a Guernsey next time around and hope for a heifer!