Cow or goat

[Katy]

Well like I said I always liked the goats milk better, but it doesn't seperate out like cows milk does, so if you want cream or cream to make your own butter (my mom used to pay us 25 cents for each churn full of butter we did) then you'd probably want to go with a cow not a goat.

 

[Farmer Kitty]

Quote:
That's a good point to remember. Sometimes the way you want to use the milk will determine which (cow or goat) is best for your purpose.

 

[ksacres]

That's why they make these

http://www.portablemilkers.com/catalog/item/1578391/1028088.htm

 

[greyfields]

Dairy goat is really the way to go for just family consumption.

 

[wynedot55]

since your just starting out wanting milk for your family.id go with the goat.they are cheaper.an you can learm alot milking them.an they are alot cheaper.a jersey cow will cost you $1500 or more.an their peak milk days are 200 or more.fed right a heavy milking cow will produce 4 to 6 gal of milk a day.an the cow will eat 15 to 20lbs grain a day.

 

[hazelton farms]

Did you ever decide which you were going to get? We've just put a deposit on a jersey cow, but already have a goat that's waiting to deliver any day now, so it looks as though we'll be milking both.

Just wondered which way you decided to go on this!

Stacy

 

[Chatychick]

I am milking a LaMancha doe and she is giving a gallon a day and my jersey cow that just freshened is giving 3 gallons in the morning and 3 at night...sure hope the milking machine gets here soon...my arms are about to give ouot...if you get a cow try and get 1 that is half jersey and it should do great for just family use...smaller udder, goats basically the larger types give more than the smaller types ...good luck with your choice.

 

[MissPrissy]

I have 6 does. I just let the 2 oldest dry off. they each give 2 gallons of milk a day. Talk about drowning in milk when youhave to do something with 4 galloons every day! I can't imagine getting a cow.

 

[greyfields]

We're milking just one first time kidder at the moment, and we're finding ourselves having more milk than we can drink. I'm really enjoying goats milk. I imagine there is simply no way, though, you could havea Jersey or Guernsey unless you are a) selling milk or b) feeding piggies on it.

We have two more does expected to kid. So, unless our milk consumption suddenly triples, and there is no way we can become a licensed dairy, then our piggies are going to eat very well.