New here! What kind of beef cow is best?

[FamilyBurger]

We may be getting a beef cow pretty soon!!
I would like to know what kind would be best? I've heard that some kinds of dairy cows have just as good of beef as "beef" cows. (They're cheaper). Does anyone have any suggestions?
thanks!

- Tannassee Gal'

owning,
6chickens,1lab,1cat,4kittens,2hermitcrabs,3snails,a phantom mouse, a few wild turkey,deer,ducks,hawks, and possum, a most happy wipperwill....wipperwill...wipperwill......

 

[Farmer Kitty]

to the herd!

Where are you at as that can affect the breed suitable for your area.

The majority of dairy bull calves are steered and raised for meat so yes that is an option. I wouldn't go a full blooded jersey for meat though. Altough they can do well they are just smaller built. Holstein and milking shorthorns are good dairy breeds to raise for meat. Not sure on brown swiss, ashyre, etc.

 

[FamilyBurger]

I live in north west tennessee. We have about 2 1/2 to 3 acres of land that is planted with kentucky 31 fescue. It's all clear and waiting to be eaten. We know of a fellow that raises belgian blues. Would that be a good choice? I'll have to look up some people that might have a dairy cow for sale. What age would I need to get? About 6 months?

thanks for replying so quickly!

-familyburger

 

[Farmer Kitty]

Belguin blues are a great choice. They are a double muscle animal which means leaner meat and more of it! We have processed 2 holstein/belguin blue crosses and they were excellent!

As for age, that depends on what you want to take on. If they are out on pasture with momma raising them then there is no hand feedings and worrying about scours. But, then they are also not being worked with either unless you can go out and see your calf and work with it. As it's going for meat that may not matter to you but, some like to be able to have one that isn't wild. So it really depends on what you want to take on.

 

[Thewife]

You know!
If you get a Belguin blue, your gonna just have to stick around here and post lots of pictures!
There is a small herd of them along a highway, south of me. They are never close enough to the road so I can get a good look at them!

 

[FamilyBurger]

I'll be sure to do that!!
Thanks for the welcome!

-familyburger

 

[wynedot55]

id say get a dairy or dairy cross steer calf.6 months is a good age to get if you can find 1 thats healthy.youll need a corral or pen to keep the calf in till he gets used to you.an good fences to hold him in the pasture.

 

[m.holloway]

weclome to the herd. Boy I go to the store and do some chores and I miss a bunch of stuff. This is a great bunch!!!! always ready to help!!!!

 

[FamilyBurger]

Thank you!
This has to be the most punctual forum I've ever seen! You post a question, then ten minutes later(or less) you've got an answer!
-Burgers

 

[m.holloway]

yes they do and if that don't work, the PM works good to. They really try very hard to reach everyone.