Somebody GAVE me a cow. Need ideas.

[theoldchick]

We have a small cow operation and usually switch out bulls every three years. By that time they are usually too large to safely breed a heifer. We buy them young, make sure they understand us two-legged varmints are the boss (cattle prods work wonders), and if the bull is showing temperament problems, off with their head!

Just like with any operation, make sure you have the proper facilities to capture, treat, and transport your animals. Well-bred bulls rarely have temperament problems if provided with plenty of space, heifers, are handled correctly (they are not pets!), and are well fed. An electric fence is a must as they will wander off in the search of more heifers. We buy our bulls from a local breeder who knows his bull's pedigree including temperament and calving ease. Buying a bull from the backyard auction is risky as you don't know what you are getting.

Good luck with your endeavor!

 

[Anguissette]

Oh to have your dilemma! I have been looking around everywhere for a decently priced jersey heifer! You lucky dawg you!

I would check out the bulls temperament and how easy he is to manage. If he is suitable I would go that route and eat him up later. If he is a pain in the rear I would go with the stud fee.

 

[PineappleMama]

Take advantage of this low price, breed him and then eat him... 35c a pound is awesome, you get milk, you get meat, and you get a calf to do with what you will ...raise for next year's meat... sell off... raise to be another dairy girl... options.

Of course, you'll be right back where you started next year... have cow, needs breeding, empty freezer...
(don't suppose you can 'harvest' the tadpoles and keep them for a year?? Is that even possible?)
But it solves this year's issue anyway... and for a good price.

Not that I know a thing about cows, but this seems very sensible to me. Only other thing would be to keep the fella as an ongoing stud, but I don't think that'd be all that much of a bargain (feed, etc per year) compared to the $200 total for stud services elsewhere... I mean the reason those folks keep a bull is because his studly fees pay for his way... if that's not feasible for you then it's worth the drive to use theirs.

Congrats on your new girl and best of luck!

 

[jenjscott]

We had a brahma cross steer that we raised as a bottle calf. He ended up getting up to about18 months to 2 yrs before going to the processor. The meat should have all been ground into hamburger as it was almost impossible to eat any other way.