Should i get a mini or full size cow?

[Ninny]

I have four acres. Im planing on getting at least two nubain goats to milk. I want a milk cow as well. I have my heart set on a jersey. My question is should i get a mini or full size one? The dairy farm across from us uses jerseys so i could probaly get a older nice cow. I am thinking of using netting to move everybody around for fresh grass. I'm thinking that once the babies are weaned they will go to my moms to finish growing till they go to the butcher.

Advice please!!

 

[Ranch Girl]

I love our Jersey! She is a full size, but is pretty small for a jersey!

 

[clarmayfarm]

It depends...are you wanting the milk and meat? If so, full size may be the best bet. If you are wanting to sell offspring and breeding stock, than small/minis make sense.

Remember, to get a mini cow, there is usually inbreeding going on, most are relatively recent breeds. This means they *may* not be as hardy, disease free, and could be more prone to sickness. In dairy animals, inbreeding has been proven to reduce production and longevity in the herd.

I agree with the previous poster...Jerseys are great family cows. So are Holsteins and Swiss if you are looking for milk.