what is the best kind of dairy cow

[sargent spurs]

I have been thinking about getting a milk cow for a long time, I want a cow that will forage well, be gentle and most of all give lots of good milk. What breed do you think would meet those term's.

 

[salt and pepper]

I like the jersey cows. they are smaller than other breeds I know of, very gentle, and can give up to 4 gallons of milk a day! They are also known for their amazing grazing skills. these cows, in my opinion, are also very pretty.

 

[SilkiesForEver]

I like the jersey cows. they are smaller than other breeds I know of, very gentle, and can give up to 4 gallons of milk a day! They are also known for their amazing grazing skills. these cows, in my opinion, are also very pretty.

X2!

Even though we don't have a Jersey, we really want one! There are also Mini Jerseys but they are much more expensive than the "normal" sized ones.

 

[learycow]

It all depends on your situation, your goals, and what you like and are able to care for.
You have your main dairy breeds:
Holsteins- BIG producers, big cows that eat a lot
Brown Swiss- Big like Holsteins, don't give as much milk though, good grazers
Jerseys- Smaller cows, high components but don't produce as much (though much more efficient as they don't eat as much as the big cows)
Guernseys and Aryshires- smaller than holsteins, somewhat higher components but not as high as jerseys, don't produce as much

Cows are generally gentle, friendly animals though it will all depend on how much the cow has been handled and how she is raised. As far as healthy, clean milk, that will depend on the health of the cow as well as the milking environment. If you get a sick cow or don't have a clean place to milk her and a proper way to handle and store the milk, then the milk won't be very good. But if the cow is healthy and you know how to properly handle the milk, it will be WAY better than store bought milk

But if none of those breeds work for you, then do your research. There are many other breeds that people use for backyard family cows. It works for some as it all depends on your situation and what you want/need.
There are Irish Jerseys, Dexters, Galloways, or even if you can find a cross breed (I know a few people who love their holstein/jersey crosses, Normande crosses, and even some angus crosses can give a decent amount of milk)

If there are farms near you, my suggestion would be to visit some (with permission from the farmers) and ask questions and see what they have.

 

[sargent spurs]

What is a good price for a jersey.

 

[peeperz]

$ Depends on your area... but also depends on the health of the animal... check her out thoroughly & ask why they are getting rid of her.
Jerseys are a lovely cow, my family had 6 when the farm was really going. They were all lovely Ladies & I'd get one in a heartbeat if I could (village by laws prevent it) Jo

 

[sargent spurs]

what about a pregnant one.

 

[salt and pepper]

if you want a good quality, healthy pregnant jersey cow, expect to pay 2000 and up. 1600-1800 being the lowest you can get. and at that price the health,quality, and age of the cow is questionable. hope this helps!

 

[sargent spurs]

What is the minimum area needed.

 

[salt and pepper]

probably around 1-2 acres, if you are going to feed it, much more if you want it to depend on the land