Whether you are seeking a family dairy cow for your own use or a cow to use on a dairy farm, there are several factors to consider. To choose the right breed, begin by determining your needs and limitations, such as your budget and how you will use the cow and milk. Next, spend some time learning about common dairy breeds, such as Holsteins and Aryshires. Ultimately, with careful consideration, you will be able to select the best dairy cow for you.
Gauge the cow’s temperament. What kind of cow do you think you can handle? Can you deal with nervous cows or would you need to have very docile ones? A docile cow is a cow that can easily be handled. Take this into consideration when selecting a breed.
• Red Angus cows are the most docile dairy cows.
• Holsteins tend to be a bit nervous.
• Jerseys can be notorious kickers depends on how you handle. Cattle Breeds
Decide what you’ll use this cow for. If you are raising a cow to be part of a dairy farm, obviously production will be a crucial factor. On the other hand, if you only need enough milk for your family, you may not need such a high-production breed. You may wish to mix your herd if it’s for commercial reasons, such as adding a few Jerseys to a predominantly Holstein herd to increase the Holstein’s butterfat content.
• If you’re looking to maximize milk production, Holsteins are the way to go.
• If you’re only wanting milk for you and your family, you may want to consider a cow that doesn’t give as much milk (such as a Jersey).
• Breeds that are dual-purpose (produce both milk and meat) may be ideal, but this will produce less milk overall.
• You may also want a dairy cow for butter and cheese. Jerseys and Guernsey produce milk higher in butterfat and protein content, making them ideal for cheese and butter making.
Look at cull cows. Dairy cows that have been culled from conventional dairy operations are cheaper dairy-farming/ . However, such cows may have injuries, illnesses, or inability to breed back.
• If you are a dairy farmer just starting out, avoid these cull animals.
• As a hobby farmer you may not mind the time, money and feed invested in rescuing and caring for one or two cull dairy cows.
Choose a female that’s at the right stage of life. While you can purchase a heifer, a female who hasn’t yet birthed a calf, only cows, females who have given birth, can produce milk. You can choose a female in any stage of the reproductive process. The most expensive choice will be a young, high-producing cow. The cheapest will be a calf, but you have to feed it and raise it for a couple of years.
Your options include:
• A mature cow who has already calved.
• A pregnant cow who has had many cows before.
• A heifer who will get pregnant and have her first cow soon.
• A calf that you’ll need to raise for about 2 years until its old enough be bred.