Post by spiritedrose on Jul 25, 2008 14:17:34 GMT -5
While New Zealand specifically looks for grass-fed statistics and the US doesn't, I don't think that means our US cows won't milk without grain. But that's not an argument that I really want to get into. Our cows on the dairy farm are bred to be a mix between milk and production. A cow needs to milk enough to warrant being here, and while that number may differ from person to person, I can assume that we all want our cows to "pay there way" in some form or anothers. Ours is in milk and longevity.
We may be a US dairy judged by US rules for milk, but we have had numerous people from the Island of Jersey (representing European countries) and from New Zealand/Australia visit our farm. They are taking back our semen for use on their cows, so they must have thoughts or knowledge that this will work to improve their cattle. Also, they are taking embryos from some of our cows. Ryan spends a lot of time getting bulls tested and registered for everything under the sun so they are available internationally. A lot of our genetics are specifically designed more for Jersey/Aust. in mind.
Also, while I lived on the other side of the state with my parents and milked 1-2 cows (Rose and Rosebud) I fed minimal grain (about a coffee can mixed in with soaked beet pulp) and the rest of her nutrition came from pasture, alfalfa, a bit of oat hay, and grass hay. We had my cows on test and as far as US standards go, they didn't do very well (10,000lb and 8,000 lb. of milk). But, they both maintained excellent shape. If anything, it was Rose's best year for that so far. And they milked at 6.5% fat and 5.3% fat, which I think is very respectable.
I've never been to New Zealand, so I really can't give an opinion on their cattle or how they would really compare to ours here in Washington, but hopefully my words clarify any potential misunderstandings.
I also applaud people that want to try new ideas and I find the idea of a purebred Jersey heifer exciting That's just me! Of all the Jersey crosses I've seen, I definitely think JerseyxAngus (JerAngus, my friends say) are a beautiful multi-purpose animal. Though I've never seen one milked by people... Hmm...
We may be a US dairy judged by US rules for milk, but we have had numerous people from the Island of Jersey (representing European countries) and from New Zealand/Australia visit our farm. They are taking back our semen for use on their cows, so they must have thoughts or knowledge that this will work to improve their cattle. Also, they are taking embryos from some of our cows. Ryan spends a lot of time getting bulls tested and registered for everything under the sun so they are available internationally. A lot of our genetics are specifically designed more for Jersey/Aust. in mind.
Also, while I lived on the other side of the state with my parents and milked 1-2 cows (Rose and Rosebud) I fed minimal grain (about a coffee can mixed in with soaked beet pulp) and the rest of her nutrition came from pasture, alfalfa, a bit of oat hay, and grass hay. We had my cows on test and as far as US standards go, they didn't do very well (10,000lb and 8,000 lb. of milk). But, they both maintained excellent shape. If anything, it was Rose's best year for that so far. And they milked at 6.5% fat and 5.3% fat, which I think is very respectable.
I've never been to New Zealand, so I really can't give an opinion on their cattle or how they would really compare to ours here in Washington, but hopefully my words clarify any potential misunderstandings.
I also applaud people that want to try new ideas and I find the idea of a purebred Jersey heifer exciting That's just me! Of all the Jersey crosses I've seen, I definitely think JerseyxAngus (JerAngus, my friends say) are a beautiful multi-purpose animal. Though I've never seen one milked by people... Hmm...