Post by TinMan on Aug 26, 2014 21:18:38 GMT -5
Hello Everyone,
I've been thinking of adding a milk cow to the family for a while...I've heard of the "mini jerseys", but can't seem to find much information about them beyond those who already own them and are trying to sell their calves. I'm not a suspicious sort, but I do know if someone wants to sell something, they may not always be as candid with the details as I'd like them to be sooooo...
Before I shell out a premium price for a diminutive bovine, I'd like to know a bit more about them...from those that want to use them as more than lawn ornaments...Mainly as a family dairy cow.
My reasons for considering the smaller type is of course the lower food bills...I live near San Antonio, TX and right now we are in a drought...Not our first, and certainly won't be our last...I'm only on two acres, and not all of it is lush grass so I expect to have to supplement with hay/grains/etc.
I'm thinking the smaller cow would hurt the budget a little less...I don't mind paying a bit more for making my own milk/cheese/butter/yogart/ice cream/etc but if there is are more than one option...and one is cheaper than the other...well then, that would be great.
One thing I head, and I don't remember the source is that the minis tend to be more susceptible to sickness/illness/whatever...any truth to that to those of you in the know?
I'm familiar with the the dexter breed, but my understanding is that you have to get one from a "dairy" line...and it's tough to differentiate those...plus dexters...at least those of the "dairy" persuasion don't really seem to be common down here...and I'm also worried about someone trying to pass a zebu/angus cross off on me and saying it's a dexter...What I do know about that breed, is that I don't know nearly enough.
Anyway...any and all help you can provide on this matter is appreciated...to say that I'm a novice is an understatement...but before I devote a lot of time to a breed...or in this case type (mini) I'd like to know if they'd do what I need...Be an adequate milk cow.
PS. If there as a thread about this already I was unable to find it...if there is, then no need to reinvent the wheel, please just point me in the right direction.
I've been thinking of adding a milk cow to the family for a while...I've heard of the "mini jerseys", but can't seem to find much information about them beyond those who already own them and are trying to sell their calves. I'm not a suspicious sort, but I do know if someone wants to sell something, they may not always be as candid with the details as I'd like them to be sooooo...
Before I shell out a premium price for a diminutive bovine, I'd like to know a bit more about them...from those that want to use them as more than lawn ornaments...Mainly as a family dairy cow.
My reasons for considering the smaller type is of course the lower food bills...I live near San Antonio, TX and right now we are in a drought...Not our first, and certainly won't be our last...I'm only on two acres, and not all of it is lush grass so I expect to have to supplement with hay/grains/etc.
I'm thinking the smaller cow would hurt the budget a little less...I don't mind paying a bit more for making my own milk/cheese/butter/yogart/ice cream/etc but if there is are more than one option...and one is cheaper than the other...well then, that would be great.
One thing I head, and I don't remember the source is that the minis tend to be more susceptible to sickness/illness/whatever...any truth to that to those of you in the know?
I'm familiar with the the dexter breed, but my understanding is that you have to get one from a "dairy" line...and it's tough to differentiate those...plus dexters...at least those of the "dairy" persuasion don't really seem to be common down here...and I'm also worried about someone trying to pass a zebu/angus cross off on me and saying it's a dexter...What I do know about that breed, is that I don't know nearly enough.
Anyway...any and all help you can provide on this matter is appreciated...to say that I'm a novice is an understatement...but before I devote a lot of time to a breed...or in this case type (mini) I'd like to know if they'd do what I need...Be an adequate milk cow.
PS. If there as a thread about this already I was unable to find it...if there is, then no need to reinvent the wheel, please just point me in the right direction.