Post by Shawn on Oct 14, 2008 19:41:10 GMT -5
maybe just a pep talk.
As you know, I lost Belle just a short time ago. I so miss having my Jersey around, so I'm on the hunt again. I've considered and am still considering several options. Here's where it gets sticky.
Since I lost her to BLV, I feel adamant that I need something tested beforehand. I'm frustrated that many people don't know what it is, and when you explain what/why you're asking for a test, some are very understanding, some not so much. It's hard to get that test done ahead of time. If I travel to see a cow a great distance, should I just take my syringe and draw blood? Mind you, I'm needle phobic, so easier said than done. Does the BioPRYN place do the BLV test, too? Can't remember.
I can't decide whether I'm really up to training a heifer to milk. And since I only really want to milk 2-3 times a week, is that too confusing for a new milker to understand?? Am I asking too much??
Second part: I thought we had a thread in the TOK about what questions to ask before buying? I'd like to put one together, so if you have suggestions I could copy and paste them over. Also, if I were to draw blood what all to test for?
pregnancy
BLV
anaplasmosis (which I can't even remember what it is)
BVD
?
?
I've got 3 possibilities from board members; cows in milk or a heifer calf. A guy about 70 miles away that has 3 heifers just calved with 2 bull calves and a heifer wants $1,350 for bull calf/cow pair or $1,500 for heifer/cow pair. Two of which he says have long enough teats for hand milking.
I've got a possible cow north of St. Joe, MO, too far to go and test, etc.
The local dairy has a 5-6 yo (he's not sure, he'll ck) that's about 7 mos. bred. Dried her off because she wasn't producing enough (for him) about 3+ gallons. Just right for me. ;D Which he asked me - before I had any age info or anything - what I'd pay for her? I laughed and said, how old is she, is she gentle etc. He said come look at her and we'll go from there.
So, other than my above questions, I'm just yapping I guess.
I'm trying to take my time and look and not make a hasty decision.
ideas, comments, encouragement ?
Shawn
As you know, I lost Belle just a short time ago. I so miss having my Jersey around, so I'm on the hunt again. I've considered and am still considering several options. Here's where it gets sticky.
Since I lost her to BLV, I feel adamant that I need something tested beforehand. I'm frustrated that many people don't know what it is, and when you explain what/why you're asking for a test, some are very understanding, some not so much. It's hard to get that test done ahead of time. If I travel to see a cow a great distance, should I just take my syringe and draw blood? Mind you, I'm needle phobic, so easier said than done. Does the BioPRYN place do the BLV test, too? Can't remember.
I can't decide whether I'm really up to training a heifer to milk. And since I only really want to milk 2-3 times a week, is that too confusing for a new milker to understand?? Am I asking too much??
Second part: I thought we had a thread in the TOK about what questions to ask before buying? I'd like to put one together, so if you have suggestions I could copy and paste them over. Also, if I were to draw blood what all to test for?
pregnancy
BLV
anaplasmosis (which I can't even remember what it is)
BVD
?
?
I've got 3 possibilities from board members; cows in milk or a heifer calf. A guy about 70 miles away that has 3 heifers just calved with 2 bull calves and a heifer wants $1,350 for bull calf/cow pair or $1,500 for heifer/cow pair. Two of which he says have long enough teats for hand milking.
I've got a possible cow north of St. Joe, MO, too far to go and test, etc.
The local dairy has a 5-6 yo (he's not sure, he'll ck) that's about 7 mos. bred. Dried her off because she wasn't producing enough (for him) about 3+ gallons. Just right for me. ;D Which he asked me - before I had any age info or anything - what I'd pay for her? I laughed and said, how old is she, is she gentle etc. He said come look at her and we'll go from there.
So, other than my above questions, I'm just yapping I guess.
I'm trying to take my time and look and not make a hasty decision.
ideas, comments, encouragement ?
Shawn