How to Keep a Family Milk Cow
In an effort to keep down their food costs, many people are looking for cheaper, greener and more sustainable ways of feeding themselves and their families. One way to do this is by keeping a family milk cow that can deliver fresh dairy to your brood on a regular basis. You never have to worry where your milk is coming from or what strange additives it has been enhanced with that might be harmful. Best of all, your cow will become a new family friend and pet.
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Things You'll Need
- Land
- Shed or barn
- Hay
- Alfalfa
- Mucking shovel
- Protein, salt and mineral supplements
- Fresh water
Instructions
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Secure a plot of land for your cow. Needless to say, a family milk cow is not an appropriate option for those living in cramped apartments or most suburbs. While you don't need a huge farm for your cow to roam, you will need at least seven to eight acres to support her and any calves that she has.
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2
Decide whether you will purchase a calve to keep with your cow. Cows, after all, produce milk to feed their calves, so any cows that you keep must have given birth shortly before you acquired them. Cows can continue giving milk for nearly a year even if no calf is present, as long as they are milked at least twice a day, preferably every 12 hours.
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3
Build or buy a shelter for your cow (and calf, if you have one). It doesn't have to be large or fancy, and will only be used in the harshest winter months. A simple structure made of wood, 7 1/2 feet long, 5 1/2 feet wide and 7 feet tall should be sufficient to house one grown cow.
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Clean out your cow's feeding area frequently. This is probably the most onerous chore you will face as a family milk cow owner because it involves transporting large loads of manure. Consider reusing the manure as compost or fertilizer for other parts of your land.
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5
Feed your cow a quality diet. Cows that are nursing have higher protein requirements that other types of cows, and you must make sure these are met. Providing your pet with hay, alfalfa and the occasional protein, mineral and salt supplement should do the trick. Give her enough fresh water every day as well. Lactating cows can consume up to 35 gallons every 24 hours.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep in mind that the average annual cost for keeping a family milk cow (separate from the purchase amount) is approximately $4,000 to $6,000.
References
- Photo Credit cow. cow in farm/field image by L. Shat from Fotolia.com
