What type of small dairy cow is great for a family milker?

[ne prairiemama]

What would you choose for someone who is getting their 1st cow? We have had dairy goats for about 10 years but I know that's not the same.
We have about 3 acres so I need to know about how much feed it would take per year in addition to the grass also and what feed is best for a dairy cow. Thank you!!

[billinwv]

Get an older fashion type cow from a grazing line. I bought a jersey of the modern type once that was "high" bred. She gave 90lbs of milk a day! and only lasted to ten. She wore herself and me out. The newer jerseys also have very small teats. My current cow came form Wise Acres in OH. Look for a smaller cow with a high, tight udder and no horns. Broke to tie is a big plus. Build a stanchion that will hold her still no matter how tame she is. I milk with a machine because I feel my milk is cleaner than hand milking. My cow with a calf does fine on 2.5 acres pasture. In the winter she will eat a round bale (4x5) about every 8-10 days. When milking she gets up to 10lbs of non gmo grain a day,1/4 cup kelp and free choice hi mag plus se salt. I pay 13$ / 50lbs for my feed and round bales here are 50$. I also milk goats, but really enjoy the butter and different cheese that I can make with the cow milk. Also, cows are addictive. Mine wear fly masks, get brushed and are as much a pet as my dogs. If you are near WV I have a weaned heifer for sale.

[Awnry Abe]

4 things:

1) she musta be blind...

Oh nevermind. I don't know why Cheech Marin is in my head tonight. Must be Saturday night.

[kycrawler]

I like milking jersey Holstein crosses my wife likes jerseys the taller cows are easier for me to milk don't have to bend down as far . probably wouldn't care for a dexter milker at all way to low to the ground

[karenp]

How much milk do you think you'll need? Every family is different.

[genebo]

The amount a cow eats is directly related to her size and how much milk she gives. With no more pasture than you have, you should probably choose a small cow that gives only as much milk as you need.

[myheaven]

I would say a mutt. A good cross bred girl. a little meat mixed with a little milk.

[DJ in WA]

Originally Posted by karenp

How much milk do you think you'll need? Every family is different.

Yes, we need to know this. Its like asking everyone how big of shoes I should get. Kind of depends on how big my feet are.

Cows I've had and the amount of milk daily I took after they fed their calf:

British White: 1/2 gallon
Dexter: 1/2 gallon
Lowline angus/Jersey cross: 1 gallon
Hereford/Jersey cross: 1.5 gallons
Jersey: 5 gallons

Not many families need 5 gallons a day, and its a pain dealing with it. There are also health issues associated with higher production.

Now with just wife and I, don't need more than a quart or two daily.

[ZEUS]

Seems like a cow of any sort will need a lot of extra feed and what not that will meet to be purchased. Which one has the least amount of maintenance?

[kycrawler]

Originally Posted by ZEUS

Seems like a cow of any sort will need a lot of extra feed and what not that will meet to be purchased. Which one has the least amount of maintenance?

Healthy ones