Can a mini breed a standard Jersey?

[knipfer11]

I have a small homestead farm and bought two standard Jersey cows registered with Organic Valley. I have attempted AI by synchronizing their heat cycles with a series of injections, then scheduling AI. This has been kind of a pain and one is open. I'm considering keeping a bull for the future, but am respectful of their behavior. I know Jersey bulls have a reputation for being SOB's, so am considering a Dexter yearling bull that's for sale near me or a mini Hereford or a mini Zebu/highlander cross that are also for sale not too far from me. Can a mini breed a standard Jersey? Thoughts on my options? Thanks in advance.

[CJBegins]

Where there is a will, there is a way. I recently saw a picture of a large full size cow that was bred by a mini zebu or something like that and their resulting offspring.

[lakeportfarms]

Our Dexter bulls have bred Angus, Highland, Hereford, Jersey cows. All mature cows, and our Dexter bull is 39" at the hip.

I'd use the Dexter bull, you'll have a more useful calf.

[knipfer11]

I know there is variability within any breed, but do you think the Dexters, in general, would be docile enough for a beginning bull owner?

[genebo]

A Dexter is your best bet for a gentle bull. As a breed, they are about the gentlest of all.

Brenn of Paradise bred a mixed dairy herd when he was 7 months old. His son, Austin, went to his new home when he was 5 months old. There he met his new herd, including a Dexter/Jersey cow with a heifer calf at her side. He helped himself to some milk first, then bred her. 9 Months later she had another heifer.

Both of those bulls are known for their gentleness. Most Dexter bulls can be as gentle, if raised right.

Dexter/Jersey heifers sell quite well, so the calf would make great beef if it's a bull and put a little money in your pocket if it's a heifer.

I know, heifers make great beef, too.

[SteveO]

As they say if she is willing they will find a way. Depending on where you are you might look at Lowline angus also. Docile no horns oh did I mention no horns
Check the low line registry for some in your area. You might even be able to either rent a bull or sned your girls out on a date so to speak. If you buy one you need to feed it when it only works a couple of days a year
Steve

[knipfer11]

Thank you to everyone for your help. I wish I could find a bull owner that would work with me, but everyone around here keeps a closed environment. I'll keep looking, though as I really don't want to keep a bull...

[redgate]

Not sure where you are located, but we wound up using a Lowline bull on our Jersey. The breeder allowed us to keep him here, as we also had several Lowline cows to breed. This is my first experience with a bull, and we do rotational grazing. THe breeder brought over a halter-broke bull, and while I respect him tremendously and never turn my back, he has caused no trouble. I have to enter the paddock every day to move them, and he just follows the cows. Not a problem. I think that would be key, is making sure the bull is as trustworthy as a bull can be for a newbie.