[Homestead] Homestead Digest, Vol 38, Issue 8
Margaret L. Wilson
booldawgs at frontiernet.net
Wed Sep 12 13:26:32 EDT 2007
I found that my Jersey needed supplemental good quality hay and some grain to keep up her body weight and milk production. I now have Dexters and some Holstein cross cattle. I am phasing out everything that is not Dexter or a high percentage Dexter. I loved my Jersey but I like cattle that can produce beef and milk with less expense and work for me. As the price of land, water, and feed go up I am looking at livestock that will thrive on less of everything. The more primitive a breed is the more likely it will do well lower quality pasture, hay and housing. My Dexters are just a sweet and personable as Jerseys.
Margaret SW Oregon
Hey all,
>
> I'm looking at a Jersey milk cow. I'm wondering if anyone could
> comment on a Jersey's ability to forage. I don't have great pastures,
> yet. In fact they are full of grasses, forbs and browse. (Sounds nicer
> that weeds). My goats of course love this. I can start to work on a
> couple of acres that would be dedicated to the cow but not until next
> spring. She'd eat hay all winter and then have to make do on the
> pastures I have.
>
> I know that there are other breeds that are better at making do, but
> would like a Jersey.
>
> What are we talking as a going price on a milk cow (registered)?
>
> Rob - Va
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