Post by mrb on Feb 24, 2019 15:51:05 GMT -5
I know there will be lots of opinions on this topic. I will try to explain what I am trying to do, and why I am trying to do it. I know there are a lot of great Milk cows that produce lots of milk, and I know these may be great on your farm with lots of grain input. What I am looking for is a Dairy type cow that will produce on grass only with no grain input. I am not as concerned with the amount of milk, but I am concerned with milk that can be used for normal dairy purposes (Butter, Cheese, Yogurt, ect...). I guess the best thing I can do is try to explain what I am wanting to do.
The plain is to supply enough milk for my wife and I, for all our dairy needs. I also plan to use the excess milk, and milk byproducts to supplement all our other animals. I currently have beef cattle, hogs, chickens, ducks, dogs, and cats. I hope this thread doesn't become a debate on whether these animals can be feed dairy products, because that is not what I am asking.
I would like to change over from large Angus cattle, to smaller cattle, that I can direct market beef, and have 1-2 of the animals be also for milking. I think I would rather milk more animals once per day than to have less being milked twice per day. I am wanting to share milk with there calves, but also Daily or twice daily rotate the animals.
Let me get back on topic now. I was thinking about going to Dexter cattle, but I think there may be a problem with there milk not being the best for dairy products. I have also thought about having a Dexter cross, so maybe the milk might be better suited to making dairy products. What ever my breed, I will probably have a Pharo Cattle company type of bull to breed them with. These are grass based smaller bodied animals. I guess any thoughts on what type of cattle would be appreciated. Thanks
The plain is to supply enough milk for my wife and I, for all our dairy needs. I also plan to use the excess milk, and milk byproducts to supplement all our other animals. I currently have beef cattle, hogs, chickens, ducks, dogs, and cats. I hope this thread doesn't become a debate on whether these animals can be feed dairy products, because that is not what I am asking.
I would like to change over from large Angus cattle, to smaller cattle, that I can direct market beef, and have 1-2 of the animals be also for milking. I think I would rather milk more animals once per day than to have less being milked twice per day. I am wanting to share milk with there calves, but also Daily or twice daily rotate the animals.
Let me get back on topic now. I was thinking about going to Dexter cattle, but I think there may be a problem with there milk not being the best for dairy products. I have also thought about having a Dexter cross, so maybe the milk might be better suited to making dairy products. What ever my breed, I will probably have a Pharo Cattle company type of bull to breed them with. These are grass based smaller bodied animals. I guess any thoughts on what type of cattle would be appreciated. Thanks