[Homesteadingfamily] Re:Farmstead animals

Dexters are a great "dual purpose" animal, that is true. But it is the
Dexter, which if bred back to Jersey cows, will introduce the "bulldog
gene" (I forget the medical name for it) into the genetics, which
creates severe abnormalities in the offspring. This would need to be
researched before making a purchase to prevent any surprises down the
road when calving season comes. And actually, any cow can be "dual
purpose"....as in any cow that can breed and deliver a calf can produce
dairy or beef. Some breeds do produce more dairy or more muscle for
beef, but any can be broke to milk and all can be made into freezer
meat. When we have freezered our jersey steers, it is some of the best
meat we have ever had...and we do cross breed them sometimes with our
Highland cattle for an even better meat!
I say purchase whatever breed that appeals to you and your needs. If
you use more dairy, get the dairy breed and steer all your bull calves
for the freezer. If you want less dairy and more beef, maybe go with the
Dexters, mini Highlanders or even Lowline Angus. One has to remember
that if you intend to feed the calf off on the dam, there will not
usually be enough milk in the beef breeds for the family AND the
calf...some animals will provide enough, but others may not. Mama's milk
is always the best for the new calves as opposed to store bought
replacers...plus the expense of the replacers can be prohibitive. So,
all this needs to be considered before purchasing any one breed for dual
purposes on the homestead. IMHO.....~deb
--- In Homesteadingfamily@yahoogroups.com, "Tatman Family"
<nehalem_rain@...> wrote:
>
> Any animal I raise, I like to go "dual purpose". In small breed
cattle, the best I've encountered is the Dexter. When you're starting
out with a breed of livestock, you get what you pay for. Buy good stock
to begin with.
>
> Marilyn
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