Which is a better deal?

BobDFL · #1 08/18/12, 10:03 AM

I've got the chance to buy one of two Jerseys. One is a 16 month old Heifer which they seller is asking $900 for. The other is a Dry 4 yr. old cow which they are asking $700 for.

Not sure which would be the better deal.

topside1 · #2 08/18/12, 10:36 AM

The four year old providing she's bred back. She's proven....Topside

mplatt4 · #3 08/18/12, 05:51 PM

if they are both bred then the 4 year old if there not the heifer for some reason heifers are easier to get bred by AI than older cows meaning a larger percentage are settled with the first try. Also inquire why the older one isnt bred if your thinking to go that way if they were unsuccessful at AI her or is she has been running with a bull Jersey are usually pretty easy to get bred so if they had trouble breeding her steer away from her she might have a problem

willow_girl · #4 08/18/12, 07:09 PM

I'm going to assume both have been confirmed pregnant by a veterinarian. Right?

If that's the case, your level of experience and facilities are probably the deciding factor, IMO.

New heifers can be a bit tricky to break in. If this is your first cow, and you don't have a lot of experience, I'd recommend going with the older cow, especially if you don't have a good way to restrain the heifer.

An inexperienced milker trying to catch a flighty heifer and tie her to a post in order to milk her is a recipe for ... an unhappy experience.

topside1 · #5 08/19/12, 07:15 AM

Willow girl has sound advice.....

BobDFL · #6 08/19/12, 07:54 PM

Thanks for all the input. I had friends with cows growing up and was around them but never owned any of my own, and my wife never was around them, so definitely the older cow will probably be the best choice.

I'll contact the seller and find out why she is dry, before making any decisions on purchasing.

topside1 · #7 08/19/12, 09:17 PM

Bob, find out why she's not bred, not why she's dry.....I'm sure that's what you meant..