Give me a reccommendation? Sorry, long.

[Lil Chickie Mama]

I finally wore DH down on getting some 4-legged animals instead of just my birds, so I don't know where exactly to find the info. BYChickens has many more posts than here so I'm relying on all of your expertise out there. I have about an acre or so (I could ask DH for exact measurement I have no idea how much it is) for animals.

My goal is to have dual purpose cattle in the least amount to keep possible. I don't need large producers as it's just DH and I for now so even minimal milk is okay for us. We drink about a gallon and a half between us per week but I'd also like to try my hand at butter, cheese, ect. We would like to process for meat as well to stock up the freezer. Ideally I'd like to keep a milker (or two if I have to have more than one) and just pay for a stud. If she calves a male, we'll castrate and raise for meat, if she calves a girl we may keep her for another milker but may process her too. I also plan to keep a few Nigerian Dwarf goats but if I have to separate cows from goats then that's fine too. Again-ideally-I'd like to do a miniature breed of cattle. We are in a warm climate, Northern/Central California with mild winters (rarely but occasionally below 30) and hot dry summers (often around 90-105 but sometimes higher).

Okay I'll continue surfing google, but any help would be appreciated!

 

[Lil Chickie Mama]

Oh, forgot to mention: I'd like an EASY SWEET temperament and I don't care if it's pure breed as it's just for us, not to sell.

 

[jhm47]

First of all, with only one acre, you will need to purchase hay. That can be expensive. You will also need some grain, especially if you get a dairy cow. Most dairy cows cannot get adequate nutrition from just grass/hay alone.

If your cow(s) has a calf, it too will need grain for awhile.

As to the milk situation, almost any cow will give at LEAST two gallons a day, and many will give double that. You will either need to purchase a calf to help with the extra milk, or you will need to find a market for it.

Dairy cows absolutely need to be milked regularly twice a day. Not once at 9AM, and again at 2PM, but at regular intervals approximately 12 hours apart. If you deviate from this, you will run the risk of your cow getting mastitis, which is a nasty infection of the udder. This can become a condition which can ruin the udder, or even kill the cow.

On the upside, the fresh, wholesome milk from your own cow can be very satisfying, and it tastes good too. Good luck!

 

[Lil Chickie Mama]

Hey thanks for the info! I'll keep it all in mind. Some of it I knew a little bit, but not to the extent you described. I know I have much to learn before we embark on this endavor, but that's why I'm here.

 

[Imissmygirls]

I'd check in with your county Agricultural Extension Service and become very good friends with them! They will be affiliated with one of the state university ag programs so you might find them under universities or government. ( In PA, they are affiliated with Penn State)
Info is usually free and reliable. They may also steer you towards groups in your area who have the same interests to help answer specific questions.

 

[ksalvagno]

Even the Nigerian Dwarf goats will need to be milked twice a day in 12 hour intervals and need grain and hay if you plan to milk them.

I would suggest visiting dairy farms, both goat and cow, in your area and really talk to the local farmers. They can show you their daily routine and give you estimates on cost of animals and feed.

 

[Lil Chickie Mama]

I have a friend who has Nigis and she's going to show me the ropes when it comes to goats. I have another friend that owns many beef cattle so I'm going to talk to her and her husband but I'm looking for more small scale cattle farmers in my area too.

 

[crzychicken]

I'm getting a Dexter cow, milk, cream and beef, small to med in size this is my 4 month old Selke www.backyardherds.com/forum/uploads/240_selke1.jpg they also have high cream content in their milk . maybe one Dexter you might be able to have on a acre but I'm not a expert.
good luck :bun