Galloway for a homestead milk cow?

[Jennifersiefke]

Have any of you milked a Galloway? If so, how is the butterfat percentage? Temperament? Any other info you can share?

[myheaven]

I haven't milked a Galloway. I have however milked an angus. Angus can be snotty. Galloway seem more mellow.

[ozark_jewels]

You may be sure on the breed but just to throw this out there.....Belted Galloway is a beef breed. Dutch Belted look a lot like them, but are a dairy breed. Sometimes people get them mixed up. I've seen Dutch Belteds being sold as Galloways and the other way round.

[Farmer2B]

I've milked a Galloway a few times, not long term, just to make sure she had something for a beef calf. I'd guess she'd have enough for two, but I don't know if I'd want to put up with all that hair on the udder and maybe having to shave it

[Awnry Abe]

Never have milked one, but I bet they would stand for it. It will be the hairiest thing you ever put your hands on.

[DJ in WA]

Hair not only in the way, but increases their heat stress quite a bit, and even worse if they are black. I read a guy in Wisconsin gave up Galloways when he got tired of watching them panting in the summer. They are designed for a cool, rainy climate like the British Isles.

[WadeFisher]

Originally Posted by DJ in WA

Hair not only in the way, but increases their heat stress quite a bit, and even worse if they are black. I read a guy in Wisconsin gave up Galloways when he got tired of watching them panting in the summer. They are designed for a cool, rainy climate like the British Isles.

I raised one last year in PA. No more of a problem with heat than any other cow. They 'shed' most of their winter coat. Never saw him 'pant' to any extreme. I am actually thinking of raising more... not to milk though. He was a grass grazing machine.