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Post by carolinafarm on Oct 5, 2018 7:38:33 GMT -5
Ok so I've never had a cow.my wife is an equestrian professional though so... We have 2 acres of pasture. 11 acres total. I have been researching alot and I think I know what I want. But I wanted others opinions and hopefully guidance on where to find what I'm looking for. This is going to be a family milk cow. I think I want a gentle polled a2a2 cow with heifer already bred back to a a2a2 bull. I don't want a cow bred for beef or meat. I want something in the middle of the road with good confirmation and genetics. I'm really interested in the most original form of the cow available. Is polled a new thing? Because horns are intimidating..
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hoperefuge
member
Milking our Dexters in the mountains of KY since 2007
Posts: 101
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Post by hoperefuge on Oct 8, 2018 20:36:49 GMT -5
Welcome! There are some breeders with "traditional" horned Dexters in VA, but I can't say what you would find in terms of milk-ability (meaning production level & temperament  ). I am milking my cows & breeding for good dual-purpose production & disposition, and have several cows available right now, one of which is already trained to milk. hoperefugefarm.com/sale-barn/cpr-july-jane Feel free to contact me with any questions. Kim |
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Post by cddexter on Oct 9, 2018 1:30:52 GMT -5
Hi anon in carolina:
Polling is new. HUGE debate between those who like to dehorn via genetics, and those who think if it's not original std, it's a mutt. If you want more traditional, you can always buy horned and then have it dehorned (use nerve deadening stuff injected into areas where nerves are, dehorn and be prepared to cauterize to stop bleeding. One can get the vet to do a 'cosmetic' dehorning, where he cuts the skin back, takes the horn, and then sews the skin back over the hole.
Original std. also included a description which pretty well limits one to a genetically dwarfed animal. This brings problems as the gene is lethal in it's homozygous state producing an aborted calf that resembles a Pekinese on thalidomide. If you do want a dwarf, you can breed it to a non-dwarf and avoid the problem. You will get 50% dwarf and 50% non dwarf, over time. Be careful to get a reasonable sized one, as milking an udder 4-5 inches of the ground has its drawbacks.
Kim's a pretty good sort, I'd take her up on her offer, even if just as a place to start.
cheers, c.
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Post by otf on Oct 9, 2018 7:37:35 GMT -5
If you have just two acres of pasture, there may be some issues. Cows need company, preferably another cow. Will other livestock be sharing the two acres? I know Dexters are reputed to be easy keepers and some boast of two to an acre, but sometimes the reality is that drought or mud or overgrazing makes it less than ideal. If you are able to find a trained milk cow with a heifer calf at foot and bred back, you are already looking at three. Your two acres may be challenged.
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Post by oakarbor on Oct 10, 2018 11:19:44 GMT -5
I like Otf's suggestion in making sure you are set up before you buy. I am a newbie and I am under-stocked on purpose. 2 good pasture acres is probably enough for a family milk with a calf in foot, with "probably" being key. Depends so much on local variables, and by local I literally mean your farm.
So with that said -I just looked at Kim's link above - and I agree with cddexter, I would start there.
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Post by littlecowfl on Oct 15, 2018 16:59:44 GMT -5
Many of us raise family milk cows and they typically come halter trained. Find a breeder near you that has a fairly young, trained animal. I wouldn't worry too much about dehorned/polled or color. Make sure she has calved before and look at her udder conformation. That is most important for a dairy animal. Also, make sure she is easy for you to handle. Cows are different than horses in key ways. They are more apt to fight than run if cornered. They will not run around you, like a horse, but over you. They push and shove with their heads, if not properly trained to be polite. Cows can be pushy if you spoil them. A lowered head is a threatening posture. There is a lot to learn. Can you find a local small dairy and get experience with their animals? Please look at a basic barn/shed with a way to handle your cow for unpleasant things, such as shots, as well as a nice place for milking. This is about you and a cow you will be handling extensively. Make sure you get along with them.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Aug 2, 2019 14:24:48 GMT -5
Farm animals are included in the general biological classification along with their wild relatives and at the same time are divided by breed.
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). I am milking my cows & breeding for good dual-purpose production & disposition, and have several cows available right now, one of which is already trained to milk. 
