Create A Feeding Plan For Your First Family Cow Necessary Supplies

Create A Feeding Plan For Your First Family Cow Necessary Supplies The grain intake should be about 16% when calculated as a percentage of the total daily ration. alternatively, you can provide 1 pound of dry grain for every 3 pounds of milk the cow produces. hay. feed 30 40 pounds of high quality hay per day. (about 2 to 3 pounds of hay for every 100 pounds of the cow’s body weight). For the times of the year when you are providing all of her feed, i would suggest keeping on hand: 20 25 small square bales of first cutting hay (40 50 pound bales) 10 bales of a very high quality supplemental hay. 200 pounds of grain (if your cow needs it) the reasons for the two types of hay are explained below.

Create A Feeding Plan For Your First Family Cow Necessary Supplies Udder balm. having an udder balm to rub on your cow’s teats after milking is a great way to keep her skin healthy and supple. this is especially beneficial for older cows whose skin dries and cracks more readily or for cows who cut their teats on briars for example. you can purchase an udder balm or make your own. Keeping a milk cow on the homestead can contribute to self sufficiency and sustainability. the decision to keep a milk cow requires evaluating your financial and land resources and the time investment needed. the breed of the cow is an important consideration that will affect these aspects. if you are considering adding a family milk cow to. In order for a cow to have a calf, she must be bred. this is one area of having a milk cow that takes the most planning. a cow should be at least 15 months old to breed her. ideally, a cow will calve once a year. depending on your climate, a late spring calf or an early fall calf are usually ideal. Hand milking routine for an inside cow. for a cow kept inside, like during the winter months, this is a likely twice a day routine: feed and water your cow. pitch out her stall, if needed. morning milking. let her out (if the weather is acceptable) take milk to house. clean the pail.

Cattle Feed Livestock Cattle In order for a cow to have a calf, she must be bred. this is one area of having a milk cow that takes the most planning. a cow should be at least 15 months old to breed her. ideally, a cow will calve once a year. depending on your climate, a late spring calf or an early fall calf are usually ideal. Hand milking routine for an inside cow. for a cow kept inside, like during the winter months, this is a likely twice a day routine: feed and water your cow. pitch out her stall, if needed. morning milking. let her out (if the weather is acceptable) take milk to house. clean the pail. Cow vs. heifer is a mostly a matter of personal preference, based on how desperate you are to get started putting milk in the fridge. a few benefits to a heifer would be you can train her to the standard of how you want her to behave, she will be familiar with you & your farm for those first couple months of milking and that will be less stress for you both, you will know how she was fed. Accessories (halter, buckets, jugs, etc.) – $150. artificial insemination cost – $50. year supply of salt & mineral blocks – $50. hay per winter for one cow – approx. $1,000. as we mentioned, we barter for the hay, but the above breakdown has made owning a family milk cow extremely affordable for our family.