Post by simplynaturalfarm on Jan 24, 2006 2:21:35 GMT -5
Now, this is a family cow list, but I thought I'd throw a question out to all you guys to get advice.
My in-laws are considering getting a few cows for beef. They are really interested in rotational grazing and such and were asking what breed would be a small/mid size (cows not much over 1000lbs), reasonably priced, hardy, easy keeper, good temperament, and excel on grass. I personally have a few breed favorites, but thought I'd ask you. They already have a Jersey heifer from their Jersey cow, so no milking breeds please *G*.
They are not new to cows, but Jerseys are not like normal cows, so they are new to beef breeds . Nothing that has anything close to a bad temperament, as there are lots of children and such and they don't need an aggressive protective cow around at any time!
Me being a practical person, good milkability to wean a good heavy calf, finishing on high quality pasture, no calving problems etc are important although not all those are as breed specific as breeding the right two animals together.
So, what do you all recommend? I've had/known some sweet Herefords, but the Mommas are such easy keepers that they hang onto their own fat and don't wean the heaviest calves because they don't maintain good milk production for 6 months. Their personality is a huge plus to me, but if you guys have had other experiences let me know. They also tend to eye problems and I can't say their meat is the best I've tasted . .
Angus would be pretty good milkability, wean nice calf, less calving problems BUT they seem to be quite attitudey (is that a word?) At least the ones I am familiar with. They are also extraordinarily protective of their calves and a lot of the breeders seem to be getting into the larger ones.
I am getting a bit keen on tarentaise if you can find the smaller ones, though I don't know about the purebreds. ANybody have experience or thoughts to share on them? I guess because I am a dual purpose gal at heart and know these cows are still milked in some places.
What about Galloway? This was the breed they mentioned, though I don't have any experience beyond seeing them at neighbors. They sure weren't the small cows the internet sites tout them as being.
Thanks in advance!
Heather
My in-laws are considering getting a few cows for beef. They are really interested in rotational grazing and such and were asking what breed would be a small/mid size (cows not much over 1000lbs), reasonably priced, hardy, easy keeper, good temperament, and excel on grass. I personally have a few breed favorites, but thought I'd ask you. They already have a Jersey heifer from their Jersey cow, so no milking breeds please *G*.
They are not new to cows, but Jerseys are not like normal cows, so they are new to beef breeds . Nothing that has anything close to a bad temperament, as there are lots of children and such and they don't need an aggressive protective cow around at any time!
Me being a practical person, good milkability to wean a good heavy calf, finishing on high quality pasture, no calving problems etc are important although not all those are as breed specific as breeding the right two animals together.
So, what do you all recommend? I've had/known some sweet Herefords, but the Mommas are such easy keepers that they hang onto their own fat and don't wean the heaviest calves because they don't maintain good milk production for 6 months. Their personality is a huge plus to me, but if you guys have had other experiences let me know. They also tend to eye problems and I can't say their meat is the best I've tasted . .
Angus would be pretty good milkability, wean nice calf, less calving problems BUT they seem to be quite attitudey (is that a word?) At least the ones I am familiar with. They are also extraordinarily protective of their calves and a lot of the breeders seem to be getting into the larger ones.
I am getting a bit keen on tarentaise if you can find the smaller ones, though I don't know about the purebreds. ANybody have experience or thoughts to share on them? I guess because I am a dual purpose gal at heart and know these cows are still milked in some places.
What about Galloway? This was the breed they mentioned, though I don't have any experience beyond seeing them at neighbors. They sure weren't the small cows the internet sites tout them as being.
Thanks in advance!
Heather