On Thursday morning Cocoa arrived. He is a mix breed Angus/Jersey/Holstein. He was gifted to us by our old man farmer friend as a "token of appreciation." He comes from and was delivered by one of his farmer friends. We plan to get one more to keep him company and we will eventually gift to some dear friends that have done a lot for our family.I'm still stuck on getting a Dexter and MM is now talking about getting a Hereford. Who knows what we will end up with. We will wait a little bit until we get a better set up.(fencing up) He is looking a bit skinny in back/hip region. Not sure if it the breed or if he needs to be wormed.... maybe a little of both. I plan to deworm him regardless. Maine Man brushed him good and cleaned him up. For now he is in the barn but before long he will be out to pasture.
I'm thinking I could get REALLY attached to that little man. He has the BIGGEST eyelashes and BIG beautiful eyes. This will be WAY more challenging then raising chickens, turkeys, rabbits, ducks and pigs for or own consumption!
Country Boy has NEARLY convinced be that we need a milking cow, "something we can keep, something we won't kill". He definitely has me thinking but I am not sure if Momma wants to add to her chore list as MM may not go along with this endeavor.
The first time I heard him Moo I told MM "Our farm is finally a farm!" This has been a long time coming.
If you're going to eat him, don't hug him. :o)
ReplyDeleteKim,congrats! He looks like he never got enough milk - good free choice minerals along with all he can eat will help him overcome that. If he has enough minerals he will overcome the parasites, it's all connected. If you worm him and don't get him on a mineral "program" he will still be susceptible to parasites. If you only could buy one mineral for him now, I would get some kelp, Thorvin or Acadian and let him have at it. Copper deficiency/imbalance is the culprit in worm infestations and the kelp will help take care of that.
ReplyDeleteIf you can stand more unsolicited advice - if you want to profit with your cows, don't get a Dexter. They take a huge amount of time to mature to butchering stage. I know Dexter people will frown at that - but it's true. Secretly I am with MM on the Hereford thing, but basically 3 years is a good time frame for a Dexter steer, other breeds not bred for the feed lot, you can butcher at 2 years. Of course, you can butcher at any age, but the best meat to sell comes when the animal has grown it's frame and is able to add a little fat to the meat by way of marbling. Grass fed marbled beef has a different lipid profile and is still lean. Just my thoughts - and I know exactly what you mean about the Moo!
We have a milking cow named Cocoa that is the same color. We grow our own for beef and I have to pet them all the time, I try not to but when they come up to me I can't help but to give them a pet and a scratch.
ReplyDeleteNita thanks for all the good info. I sure do need it because I am clueless when it comes to cows. When you say all he can eat do you mean grain and hay? Thanks again, it really helps. MM is going to LOVE that you went along with him!
ReplyDeleteHe is very cute! Glad you are staying a "Country Girl"
ReplyDeleteHe looks great, congratulations. If you do get a cow let me know and I will send you a stool to sit on.
ReplyDeleteMissy, I'll remember that. I tried commenting on a couple of your post recently and I am not able to. Not sure what is going on, if it is me or if something is up with your blog.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree that a barn needs a good moo or two!
ReplyDeleteThat is a beautiful cow and I am looking forward to what you will do with your "herd."
It was so great to catch up with you this morning, after I had such a long absence. I just got myself 2 jerseys, and I am in love with them both! I hope you'll follow me once again, I had to stop blogging for awhile due to health reasons, but I'm back. Your little calf is just a DOLL! You're in love I'm sure!!!!
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