Has anyone out there milking miniature cows? Any min.jerseys around? I raised my kids on goat milk and we loved it, but I'd sure like some good old jersey cream. I don't need a full size cow now all the boys have flown the coop. How much milk could I expect? We had beef cattle but I know little about dairy cows.

-- Judy Schumacher (TootlesTheBrit@aol.com), October 10, 2001

Answers

We looked into miniture cows, but was shocked at the prices. A pair are in the neighborhood of $3,000 - $5,000!! You can expect around a 1-2 gallons a day.

-- Karen (db0421@yahoo.com), October 10, 2001.

"1-2 gallons a day"

Which you can get from milking a beef breed anyway - or else get a dual-purpose (e.g. milking shorthorn) cow - this would mean you could still get beef (or money) from the calves. Miniature cattle are an attractive idea if you can get into them at the right time, for the right price, but they're a fashion item - the market WILL collapse, and if you've paid ruling market rates then you'll lose money.

-- Don Armstrong (darmst@yahoo.com.au), October 10, 2001.

Tell me, do you need a miniature stool to milk a miniature cow? Emory

-- Emory (NE PA) (et@hazleton.net), October 11, 2001.

Judy, WE raise guinea Jerseys. Have been for over 20 yrs. They give 3- 5 gallons a day. Yes we use mini milk stools and the milk taste much better when stored in miniature bottles. And yes it does take much money to buy one. For more info , drop us a line.

-- Nathan Harris Sr. (barnyard_mini@yahoo.comn), October 11, 2001.

Keep in mind you will need to breed a cow each year, including a miniature one, in order to keep her in production. Unless you go AI from a miniature bull, using a full-sized one may kill it during calving. What would be the market in your area for calves from a miniature cow? You might consider going with a Jersey crossed to a beef bull.

-- Ken S. in WC TN (scharabo@aol.com), October 11, 2001.

Look into Dexters. They aren't 'miniature', they're just the smallest breed. Give a couple gallons of rich mild a day on average, and the meat is great. Very cheap keepers, and they arent overpriced. Check the archives; they've been discussed several times. Feel free to email me with questions; I raised em for 12 years.

Peace,

-- Earthmama (earthmama48@yahoo.com), October 11, 2001.

Dexters aren't the smallest breed. The Guinea Jersey weight range is 500 to 600 lbs. Please don't confuse Guinea jersey with mini jersey. Most Mini jerseys are simply a standard jersey cow crossed with a guinea bull. As far breeding goes ,Ken is right ,they need to be bred to a small bull, semen is availiable. Birthing is not the problem, presavation is the problem. Please dont put these little cows down. They are wonderful. As far as milk cows go, if cost is the most important factor, almost any breed cow or breed X will make Good milk cows. The first cow I ever milked was Herford. Angus makes good milkers. Each breed is special. Its what ever puts milk in your bucket and a smile on your face.

-- Nathan Harris Sr. (barnyard_mini@yahoo.com), October 11, 2001.

Sorry, Nathan, I didn't intend to disparage your little cows' claim to smallness!

I must admit in all the years I've belonged to the ALBC, I'd never heard of Guinea Jerseys. It appears they very possibly could be smaller than Dexters on average, although I was able to find next to nothing on them on my internet search. Dexter cows average about 600 pounds, and should not be used for breeding if over the breed standard weight limit of 750.

Peace,

-- Earthmama (earthmama48@yahoo.com), October 11, 2001.

Contact the ALBC and ask about the Guinea Jersey. They have referd people to me three times I know of. They are real. Visit www.minijersey.org Robyn has some good info on these cows.

-- Nathan Harris Sr. (barnyard_mini@yahoo.com), October 11, 2001.

Thanks for the help everyone. I've never heard of guinea jerseys but seems worth looking at.Will also check out availability of breeding here in Wa.{ Although I think there is a min. cattle registry here in this state}thamks Ken. Dexters is another good idea, would get some beef too.

-- Judy Schumacher (TootlesTheBrit@aol.com), October 11, 2001.