how long?

[anniew]

Newbie question: There are two Jersey cows for sale that are 7 years old. They are being sold as "family cows." How many more years will they be able to freshen and be productive?

[Judy in IN]

I met a gal years ago who was milking a 16 year old Jersey. That's not to say they all are fecund at that age, but it's certainly possible for a seven year old cow to last long enough to replace herself several times.

[opportunity]

I have a 13 year old who is doing great my mother in law had one that was 18 that didn't freshen and had to finally go down the road

[springvalley]

At seven, they are just getting good. I have many in that age bracket right now. They could be around two years or they could be around ten years, you never know. > Thanks Marc

[Jersey/guernsey]

Seven actually isn’t that old for a jersey we've had two who lived to be twenty and worked till they were retired at seventeen. But ten or twelve is more normal
IMO a cow doesn’t start really milking until five or six

[gone-a-milkin]

A cow COULD still be great and in her prime at 7, or she could be on the rapid decline.
Genetics, care, and sometimes plain luck have a lot to do with it.

Jersey's udders can really go downhill as they age.

Before buying any cow you might assess her movement(not limping), udder attachment,
and history for mastitis (all 4 quarters good?) or birthing troubles.
Find out if she is prone to milk fever too.

We have seen some newbies in this forum jump in with older cows and really get taken.

Dont buy an older cow that has mastitis or is limping.

[Madsaw]

Take alook at them. If they have high up tight udders and straight rear legs. Then they could be around for another 12-14 yrs. If it was a swiss I would say they are just getting the idea of milking and you better be ready to be milking them till they are 25 or so. Will jerseys with age they tend to roll back on their back heels do to the back legs being not to straight more a sickled shape. My oldest was 18 when she died. Short jerys tend to with age get low hard to milk bags. Which then leads to mastisis since they do not milk out the best,.
Bob

[anniew]

Thanks everyone.