[oxj]

Um, back to the size and temperament thing.

Brown Swiss are one of the hugest but also one of the mellowest cows around. I can't imagine mine hurting me. All they want is food.

It seems to me the smaller things are the more frightening they can be, for example, chihuahuas, Napoleon, ponies (what terrible temperament they have!), bantam chickens, and... miniature Herefords? I don't know about that last one because I haven't had them.

There's probably not a real relationship between size and insanity, but that's just my prejudicial rule of thumb. And yes, I'd rather plow with oxen than horses for the same reason.

For me, in choosing cattle, the most important thing was temperament. They are huge and I don't want them dominating me. Since it's only a prejudice, I decided to do some research on breed versus temperament, since it would be more accurate. I started at http://www.ruralheritage.com which led me to the OSU web site on breeds, http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/cattle/ .

Food and milk were secondary issues for me, my primary concern was getting oxen to plow fields. I'm still a few years off from that, though...

[oxj]

Oh and did I mention the cute factor? Brown Swiss are the cutest, hands down. Definitely.

http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDet ... D0%26y%3D0

[Pops]

I do some outside work for the neighboring dairy in return for their bull calves which we raise from a bottle. They have a few Guernseys mixed in to the herd and my opinion on them is really simple - I won't bring them home. I have no idea how they would do staying with momma but the few we have raised successfully bring nothing at auction because they grow only hair and bones - not quite as bad with Holstein/Guernsey cross or Ayrshires but close.

I don't have lots of experience with Shorthorns (raising our first bottle calf now) but the cows seem fairly docile and the calf is getting on easily. I've thought of a Shorthorn x Angus or Hereford cross might be good. Not too much milk, pretty good beef.

I'd think Jerseys due to size and milk fat but they make some mean bulls.

Oh, and I'm much more wary of fresh Holstein cows - and springer heifers, than Holstein bulls...


Just my little experience, keep us informed.

[Schmuto]

This thread is a perfect example of why I love this website.

I'm doing more research.

Really love the idea of Brown Swiss - I have a report showing that crossing them produces a meat animal that has meat equivalent to angus/hereford.

Very tempting.


I like the idea of Jersey - classic, high fat (for butter et al), low calorie requirements.

I like the idea of a Jersey/Hereford mix.

I'll post when we finally buy. I'm pretty sure we're going to buy a very young one. I want it's development to be in my hands.

Thanks for all the tips!

[vtsnowedin]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Pops', 'I') do some outside work for the neighboring dairy in return for their bull calves which we raise from a bottle. They have a few Guernseys mixed in to the herd and my opinion on them is really simple - I won't bring them home. I have no idea how they would do staying with momma but the few we have raised successfully bring nothing at auction because they grow only hair and bones - not quite as bad with Holstein/Guernsey cross or Ayrshires but close.

I don't have lots of experience with Shorthorns (raising our first bottle calf now) but the cows seem fairly docile and the calf is getting on easily. I've thought of a Shorthorn x Angus or Hereford cross might be good. Not too much milk, pretty good beef.

I'd think Jerseys due to size and milk fat but they make some mean bulls.

Oh, and I'm much more wary of fresh Holstein cows - and springer heifers, than Holstein bulls...


Just my little experience, keep us informed.

[anador]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Tanada', '')$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Schmuto', 'J')ust about to get the first bovine for the doomstead . . .

Would like a heffer to keep, breed, milk.

Would like to raise all offspring for beef right here.

So the question is, is this possible? I look at pictures of Jerseys and they're all skin and bones, and I wonder whether crossing them with Angus or Hereford would make any sense.

Short horns appear to be another choice.

Obviously, cost of feeding is an issue.

Plenty of pasture.

All input appreciated.



Input from those who do/have done this is appreciated.

[Ludi]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('anador', 'p')oled

[anador]

Ha, sorry, im not too careful when I type.

[Pops]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('vtsnowedin', 'R')aising bottle fed calves for veal is one of the hardest ways I have ever tried to make money. .

[Tanada]

Talked to my dad today about the dairy herd across the field I grew up next too, turns out the neighbors kept Jerseys and Guernsey's. Dad suggests you go for a Guernsey if you think a Brown Swiss will be to big for your situation, and he says both make excellent beef when the time comes.

[Schmuto]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Tanada', 'T')alked to my dad today about the dairy herd across the field I grew up next too, turns out the neighbors kept Jerseys and Guernsey's. Dad suggests you go for a Guernsey if you think a Brown Swiss will be to big for your situation, and he says both make excellent beef when the time comes.

[Homesteader]

What are you planning to do with all the milk?

Cheese? Veal? milk fed pigs? milk fed turkeys?

[deMolay]

Only Scottish Highlands on this Ranch, no vets, no calf pullin, dual breed.

[deMolay]

Oh I forgot to mention has scored the best for carcass and flavour at the Denver Stockman's show year after year after year.

[Schmuto]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('deMolay', 'O')h I forgot to mention has scored the best for carcass and flavour at the Denver Stockman's show year after year after year.

[deMolay]

I disagree with your friend. Any cow that has not been handled or is not used to human contact up close will kick and reject any attempt at milking. That is why if you are going to raise a cow for milking you keep them close and hand feed them. You have to set up for it. Most dairy farmers use some type of head restraint while milking like a stanchion or head stall. The wild ones that have never been milked go in a squeeze until they become used to it, then a stanchion or headstall. You also distract them with food while you are milking. You don't just walk up to a cow that has never been milked and start pulling on her tits. The milk from Highlands is very rich in BF and very good taste.

[deMolay]

The Highland is not very popular with the commercial feedlots, because unless they are crossbred, it takes longer to finish the calf for market. That and they are a horned breed, and don't fit in well in feedlots. As horned animals tend to bully those without horns. There is some good info here on Highlands. http://www.heartlandhighlandcattleassociation.org/

[vtsnowedin]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('deMolay', 'I') disagree with your friend. Any cow that has not been handled or is not used to human contact up close will kick and reject any attempt at milking. That is why if you are going to raise a cow for milking you keep them close and hand feed them. You have to set up for it. Most dairy farmers use some type of head restraint while milking like a stanchion or head stall. The wild ones that have never been milked go in a squeeze until they become used to it, then a stanchion or headstall. You also distract them with food while you are milking. You don't just walk up to a cow that has never been milked and start pulling on her tits. The milk from Highlands is very rich in BF and very good taste.

[deMolay]

That is good advice, and very true. Even an older cow will get excited if you try to milk her and she has just calved. One of the problems with milking Highlands is they have a very hairy bag, and you have to clean it up with scissors, cleanliness is paramount around milk. That and once you start milking them keep to a schedule each day.

[Schmuto]

Good input. Thank you both.