If you are looking to start small, consider getting a dairy goat. We recently did an article all about keeping goats and this may be the happy medium you are looking for. Goats need less room but more stimulation so the pros and cons vary between both animals.
How Much Space Does A Dairy Cow Need?
If you intend to have a free grazing cow during the summer months you want to a minimum of 5 acres per cow. However, if the intent is to feed hay during the winter months and through some of the summer you can aim for 2-5 acres per cow.
The general consensus is that a single dairy cow needs 30-40 pounds of hay a day. It’s important to look at the cost of hay per ton in your area to determine if this is feasible. My suggestion is to ask what the cost is for a bail in a drought year. This will be your worst-case scenario and can help with crunching numbers.
Just like with the goats you will also want to supply minerals to the animal in a container that is free from water and debris. If you are feeding hay or anything that’s processed provide a feeding area that keeps the food up off the ground.
What Breed Of Dairy Cow Should You Get?
Holsteins are the classic black and white cows you see on milk cartons. They are used for commercial dairies because they produce a large volume of milk. However, the milk produced has a lower butterfat content and is considered less nutritious. They also eat and drink a lot more than other breeds so the cost to keep them around is considered higher.
The second most popular option is the Jersey cow. This is because they are small and produce a large volume of milk. The milk also has a high butterfat content, making it useful in lots of products. They are mild-tempered and one of the less demanding breeds.
How Many Cows Should You Get?
The next question is do you need two cows to keep them happy. We touched on this in the goat article when we spoke about herd animals enjoying company & cows are definitely herd animals. They do enjoy the companionship of other cattle but can enjoy other hooved friends as well. This means something like a horse, goat, pony, etc will all help provide the animal company.
Does Your Cow Need To Be Pregnant?
Also, keep in mind in order for the cow to produce milk it needs a baby. This means you either need a male or someone trained in AI. Keeping a bull around is an adventure all on its own and I do not recommend trying it if you are new to cattle in general. The good news is that a lactation cycle will last several years so long as you continually milk the animal.
If you intend on taking weekends off at the lake you may want to consider keeping the calf around. The calf can help keep the mother milked when you are away from the home and lessen your burden. It’s important to note that the calf will need to be supplemented through bottle feeding if you choose this route.
How Much Milk Does A Cow Produce?
More than a single family will ever need in a day! Without a calf around to help out, you can expect 3-4 gallons of milk a day on a grass-fed cow. If you choose to fortify her diet with feed and grain you will get even more milk! This means you will have freezers FULL of dairy products in no time flat.
Sanitization
In a commercial setting the udders, the milk, the vessels are all sanitized multiple times a day. If you are using the milk for personal use you don’t have to go through the process of pasteurizing and everything else in between. If you are choosing to sell milk or milk products you will need to follow the rules in your area. If you are nervous, you can clean the utters before milking and always use a clean catchment.
