Post by Leeza on Jul 23, 2017 22:45:36 GMT -5
These are absolutely the hardest decisions, and I am on the threshold of making one also (will post) I have turned over this stone again and again. Some say bury these good old girls in the pastures where they were so content. Yes, I like that idea on an emotional level, but not the waste.
On a farm, the value is on good and economic production- of meat, eggs, milk. In the end, emotions balance out what and how to do it. My conclusion after much thought, is that the end must be as short as can be, but the benefit should be to others for a carcass that surely has value.
I learned long ago that the key is to anticipate the end, rather than let it happen. It is always better to walk a cow out of the barn before end of life decisions become more dire. And a cow not producing becomes a pet. That's good if you can afford the feed and space.
Your cow will not be tough. Have others do it. I personally did not want a trace on the farm, so will sell my cow at auction. I did give her more grain- even a week or two will make a difference, though the dilemma is trusting that the payment will come back correctly and not switched wit another cow (yes, of this I have been warned) if I don't deliver myself. The jerseys wont bring as much as a dual purpose cow so you may be best off putting it in your own freezer.
I can't have a pet cow, too many other pets. I am concerned about the contamination, but already have all three cows here, so have been trying to keep things separate and clean. The cull cattle prices are very low, so this make the most sense for all involved as the same thing (butcher) would happen to her if she went through the sale barn.
Thank you for your support.
Leeza