Post by looking4jersey on Mar 14, 2010 8:10:27 GMT -5
Greetings,
I am looking to purchase my first cow/heifer and hope that you all can help me give some advice. I also have this question posted on HT forum, so my apologies for the duplication.
I think I have my search narrowed down to two animals: a 2yo Jersey with a second calf due in July, and the 2 yo springing Jersey-cross. Both animals are from respected Jersey breeders and from commercial dairy genetics. Both animals are in excellent condition. The full Jersey cow delivered her first calf very young, at 18 months, and so her milk production of 3 gallons/day is below production standards. The owners feels that her production will improve with successive lactations. She is small still, about 650-700 lbs., but he expects her to gain more in stature this next year. She is in milk still, but could be dried-off immediately or by May. She is due to delivery in July. Good tight utter, teats no longer than 3 inches in length, she is a beautiful cinnamon color, and has a curious, friendly personality.
The jersey-cross (1/2 jersey, 1/4 milking shorthorn, 1/4 American lineback), is a strikingly beautiful animal, mostly black with a ticked face and legs, and a jagged white streak along the spine. She is stockier than a full Jersey, weighs about 900 lbs., and is due to delivery her first calf April 30th., bred to a full Jersey bull. High production genetics, her dam produces 8 gallons/day. Halter-broke, tame enough, but not as outgoing as the Jersey. She should produce stockier, meatier calves. Good teat length, inexperienced milker.
The jersey-cross is significantly higher priced than the Jersey, perhaps due to production potential vs. a production cull. The difference in price could fund all my initial cow/dairy supplies. However, price is not the decision priority. I want an animal that will produce enough milk for my two person family, and her calf, and with excess given to feed pigs and chickens. I also require a gentle, good temperament, since I am inexperienced, and she will lead about much with rotational grazing.
Your thoughts are much appreciated.
Wendy
I am looking to purchase my first cow/heifer and hope that you all can help me give some advice. I also have this question posted on HT forum, so my apologies for the duplication.
I think I have my search narrowed down to two animals: a 2yo Jersey with a second calf due in July, and the 2 yo springing Jersey-cross. Both animals are from respected Jersey breeders and from commercial dairy genetics. Both animals are in excellent condition. The full Jersey cow delivered her first calf very young, at 18 months, and so her milk production of 3 gallons/day is below production standards. The owners feels that her production will improve with successive lactations. She is small still, about 650-700 lbs., but he expects her to gain more in stature this next year. She is in milk still, but could be dried-off immediately or by May. She is due to delivery in July. Good tight utter, teats no longer than 3 inches in length, she is a beautiful cinnamon color, and has a curious, friendly personality.
The jersey-cross (1/2 jersey, 1/4 milking shorthorn, 1/4 American lineback), is a strikingly beautiful animal, mostly black with a ticked face and legs, and a jagged white streak along the spine. She is stockier than a full Jersey, weighs about 900 lbs., and is due to delivery her first calf April 30th., bred to a full Jersey bull. High production genetics, her dam produces 8 gallons/day. Halter-broke, tame enough, but not as outgoing as the Jersey. She should produce stockier, meatier calves. Good teat length, inexperienced milker.
The jersey-cross is significantly higher priced than the Jersey, perhaps due to production potential vs. a production cull. The difference in price could fund all my initial cow/dairy supplies. However, price is not the decision priority. I want an animal that will produce enough milk for my two person family, and her calf, and with excess given to feed pigs and chickens. I also require a gentle, good temperament, since I am inexperienced, and she will lead about much with rotational grazing.
Your thoughts are much appreciated.
Wendy