newbie in ny what kind of cow?
- Thread starter psinatra
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no nonsense
Corralled
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Start with what you like to look at for the next 18 months, and what is available in your local area. You should also know that a steer will make just as good, or better, a beef animal as a cow.
Ideally you want a beef breed, but many people do raise a dairy steer to put in the freezer. In your area Holstein bull calves are very plentiful, and cheap. They will make some meat, but not as much for the same time period or amount of feed per pound as a beef breed. You can't beat Herefords, Angus and their crosses for a beef calf. You will not find a more efficient meat producer than those three. Some people like Highlanders too, but they tend to be more expensive.
Ideally you want a beef breed, but many people do raise a dairy steer to put in the freezer. In your area Holstein bull calves are very plentiful, and cheap. They will make some meat, but not as much for the same time period or amount of feed per pound as a beef breed. You can't beat Herefords, Angus and their crosses for a beef calf. You will not find a more efficient meat producer than those three. Some people like Highlanders too, but they tend to be more expensive.
no nonsense
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I'd add that you should make sure to learn how to handle cattle properly and safely. With one, it should be easy to find the time to halter train and teach it to lead, and it will make things much easier on shipping day, but be aware, they ain't no chickin.
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WildRoseBeef
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I agree with no nonsense, but he/she missed out on several important things that have to be in place first BEFORE you get any cattle.
1. Be prepared ahead of time to be purchasing hay and feed. Four acres of land won't be enough to graze a beefer for 18 months, let alone the 4 or 5 growing months (of forage I mean). A beefer that is at 6 months old needs good quality hay and a mineral block, plus it would be ideal as well if you can give him some grain, if you so desire. On average, a beefer will be eating around 2% of his body weight (more or less), and growing constantly, so you would have to calculate the amount of hay to purchase to keep him happy. There's nothing wrong with purchasing too much hay; better than too little.
2. Fencing is important. You can't expect to drop an animal off on your land and expect it to know where its boundaries are. Use high-tensile or temporary electric fencing or hire someone to put in a barbed wire fence.
3. Watering station, even if it means you have to fill up a 20-gallon tub every so often, but he needs to drink.
4. Be prepared to have any meds on supply. Most cases he will come down with shipping fever, also known as pnuemonia, a few days after you get him home.
5. Go for the black baldies, as NN said, but also have someone with know that knows cattle that you trust that can pick out a good healthy yet tame steer for you to own. There's nothing worse than coming home and finding out that your steer is nothing but a snorting wild thing trying to find its way out ASAP.
Good luck!
1. Be prepared ahead of time to be purchasing hay and feed. Four acres of land won't be enough to graze a beefer for 18 months, let alone the 4 or 5 growing months (of forage I mean). A beefer that is at 6 months old needs good quality hay and a mineral block, plus it would be ideal as well if you can give him some grain, if you so desire. On average, a beefer will be eating around 2% of his body weight (more or less), and growing constantly, so you would have to calculate the amount of hay to purchase to keep him happy. There's nothing wrong with purchasing too much hay; better than too little.
2. Fencing is important. You can't expect to drop an animal off on your land and expect it to know where its boundaries are. Use high-tensile or temporary electric fencing or hire someone to put in a barbed wire fence.
3. Watering station, even if it means you have to fill up a 20-gallon tub every so often, but he needs to drink.
4. Be prepared to have any meds on supply. Most cases he will come down with shipping fever, also known as pnuemonia, a few days after you get him home.
5. Go for the black baldies, as NN said, but also have someone with know that knows cattle that you trust that can pick out a good healthy yet tame steer for you to own. There's nothing worse than coming home and finding out that your steer is nothing but a snorting wild thing trying to find its way out ASAP.
Good luck!
no nonsense
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Very good advice indeed. I'd be happy to give advice on feeding, facilities, care and selection, if those were the questions which were asked.
