[Ag-eq] dairy cows

[nfoster at extremezone.com]

Zac:

I already have several goats, am currently jumping through all the hoops to
start a small dairy.  I mostly want a cow for the cream.  There are a few
people around here that are crossing the Dexters with Jerseys to get a small
cow that gives less milk.  If I have a cow that gives lots of milk we are
allowed to sell it here.  I will also be making cheese, butter and yogurt.  I
will be sharing with family and friends.

I haven't seen many dairy sheep around here.  I would love to try the milk. 
I've had some sheep cheeses before, but never tasted just the milk.

Do you know if there are any issues from keeping goats and cows together?

Nella

Quoting Zach Mason via Ag-eq <ag-eq at nfbnet.org>:

> I have 25 years of experience with dairy cows. For a family pet-or just
> enough milk for you, I'm hesitant to recommend a commercially bred Jersey or
> Guernsey as both of these breeds are capable of producing 40-50 LB/day, or
> about 5 to 6 gallons of milk. You might be able to find a "dud" that only
> makes 10-20 Lb/day, but I'm hesitant to recommend that too as there can be a
> health reason they aren't making more.
>
> I'd recommend goats or sheep before a cow if it's for family consumption.
> Some goats can produce 20 Lb/day, but only for a short period of time.
> LaMancha and Nubians typically produce less than this. Another option is
> Nigerian Dwarves. For sheep breeds, dairy breeds can be difficult to come by
> depending on where you are. The two major ones in the U.S. are the East
> Friesian and Lacaune, but Dorset's have also been used in commercial flocks
> for milk production.
>
> Hope this helps,
>
> Zac
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Ag-eq [mailto:ag-eq-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of James K via Ag-eq
> Sent: Monday, August 03, 2015 1:05 PM
> To: Agricultural and Equestrean Division List
> Cc: James K
> Subject: Re: [Ag-eq] dairy cows
>
> I do not have a lot of experience with dairy cows. However, make sure that
> they are ones bread milk by hand. Money today or bread milk by machine. You
> might also consider buying a goat or two.
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> > On Aug 3, 2015, at 10:48 AM, Nella Foster via Ag-eq <ag-eq at nfbnet.org>
> wrote:
> >
> >
> >
> > I think I sent this message last week, but for some reason there was no
> text.
> >
> > I'm curious to know if anyone has ever owned dairy cows.
> >
> > I'm considering getting one and would love any advice or suggestions.
> >
> > I'm mostly looking at Jersey and Guernsey cows, they are a little
> > smaller and tend to give a little less milk than some of the other
> > breeds.  I've also researched Dexter and Dexter crosses, but all the
> > ones I've found are very expensive.
> >
> > If anyone has cow knowledge I hope you will share.
> >
> > Nella
> >
> >
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