I'm a 5 acre cowboy with 2 cows. One is an Angus/Jersey cross I milk. She gave me a heifer out of a Hereford bull. This heifer being 3/4 beefer is quite stocky. I've noticed the heifer has a strong appetite - more than the cow.
So, here's my theory. The momma cow is half Jersey - scrawnier and therefore less muscle mass, and therefore burns fewer calories. She eats less to maintain her body so saves on feed throughout the year.
So, I'm wondering if it's discussed in cow circles how to have a more scrawny cow to save feed. Or is it impossible to have a scrawny cow without having a scrawny calf?
Seems if the cow is scrawnier because of dairy in her, she could put more calories into milk than into body mass maintenance. Only problem is getting a whole herd of part dairy cows, I suppose.
So, here's my theory. The momma cow is half Jersey - scrawnier and therefore less muscle mass, and therefore burns fewer calories. She eats less to maintain her body so saves on feed throughout the year.
So, I'm wondering if it's discussed in cow circles how to have a more scrawny cow to save feed. Or is it impossible to have a scrawny cow without having a scrawny calf?
Seems if the cow is scrawnier because of dairy in her, she could put more calories into milk than into body mass maintenance. Only problem is getting a whole herd of part dairy cows, I suppose.