Miniature Dairy Cows???

[sparkles2307]

Have any of you seen those tiny mini holsteins that are getting so popular? I cant remember the website, but they were showing cows that supposedly only get 3 ft tall but look like the full size thing and milk enough for a large family... kind of suspicious in a "too-good-to-be-true" kind of way. I want to get a milk cow (just one, heaven forbid we have a non meat cow on DH's pasture...) but I think a normal dairy cow would drown us and I dont want THAT much milking to do!

 

[wynedot55]

i havent seen or heard about mini holsteins.but i do know they have mini jersey cows.if you can find an afford them.

 

[Farmer Kitty]

There are many breeds in minature. I'm not all that familar with them although there is a thread somewhere, I'll see if I can find it, that has some info I found.

Many will have jerseys or a dual purpose breed for a family milk cow. Less milk than a holstein.

 

[Farmer Kitty]

i havent seen or heard about mini holsteins.but i do know they have mini jersey cows.if you can find an afford them.

A good point. I've heard that you can buy a full sized cow for what they get for the small version and in some cases have money left over.

 

[sparkles2307]

Thats my fear too, the cost. But really, I have no intentions of milking a full sized udder twice a day! I already get up at 5:30 to get myself and the kids ready for work and school! But I hear that grass fed milk tastes SO much better than the store bought, feed lot, never seen the light of day milk....

 

[sparkles2307]

www.mydairycow.com

 

[Farmer Kitty]

First, not all cows are in feed lots never seen the light of day situation.

I will agree that fresh milk tastes better though! Have you considered letting the cow raise her calf and just milking once a day?

 

[sparkles2307]

Oh I know not all of them are, here in MN we have a lot of dairy farmers with cows who actually free range a lot of the day.

I never thought about that, letting her keep the calf. That could help a lot.

 

[Farmer Kitty]

www.mydairycow.com

I don't care how small the cow, I would never keep one in the house! YIKES!

 

[Farmer Kitty]

Here is the link: http://www.backyardherds.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=405