A2A2 milk

[Lazy Gardener]

@wyoDreamer : It's perfectly understandable that the goats milk from such a situation would have been absolutely horrid. My understanding is that having a buck any near lactating does will ruin the flavor of their milk. And, if those goats were in such horrid conditions, their milk just couldn't have been good. Now... take away the bucks, put the does on good pasture, be sure they haven't just freshened, and get that pigeon poop out of their diet, and you might have actually enjoyed that milk. I've had goat milk (a long time ago) from a doe who had freshened not too long ago, and IIRC, I found it to be just fine.

 

[Mini Horses]

Goats are A2A2. Period. Yeah I wanted a cow -- for the cream -- but the cream separator is less expensive to buy & maintain Then I'd rather sweep poo pebbles than scrape cow patties.

BACK to cows. (Love Jerseys and Dexters -- CL had a jersey cow bred to dexter bull. Really had to stop myself!)

Cows used to be majorly A2A2, then the "know it alls" got involved and here we are trying to get back to it. Never really studied into the other traits you mention as I have no cow and decided to not buy any. When you get 4-7 gal a day from a good cow, that's a LOT of milk! Then you need to use it and so on.

That is a major reason some people use goats, instead.

So far we have breed one heifer with these characteristics.
Our thinking is this combo would make a good homestead cow healthy milk, lots of cream and
increased cheese yield.

This would be great for all dairy animals and those fortunate enough to have a small homestead would be greatly interested, I'm sure. It does take some educating to have users realize what they are getting, just as they have to know and buy into the discipline of milking EVERY day, 2X a day, without fail....no matter the animal. If your passion is this improvement in your herd, go for it! We all need a goal.

Agree the pricing for minis, on the surface, is way too much. And I say this knowing buying and selling -- "mini" horses & donkeys. Then some people do not realize how long it takes to get to this point, then sustain it, and with quality. I paid dearly and sold the same.

FarmerJan will probably log in and reply. Now, she's in the business of milk! And in beef cattle, too. Waiting for her.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Goats are A2A2.

Told ya I didn't no nothing 'bout no A2A2, lol. But, no wonder I like it!

 

[baymule]

What great goals to have. Sound like y'all are getting there. I like Jerseys and those are just more reasons to like them even more.

@Mini Horses when you have too much milk, get feeder pigs! Milk fed pork, soured corn soaked in milk...… makes some bodacious pork!

 

[Mini Horses]

@Mini Horses when you have too much milk, get feeder pigs! Milk fed pork, soured corn soaked in milk...… makes some bodacious pork!

I know, I know.....but, sold all my AGHs because I didn't feel like messing with pigs. Maybe later...maybe not. Just decided I couldn't try to do "everything". Right now, goats, chickens and the aging minis are it. Gotta retire first

 

[wyoDreamer]

I was reading the other day about Vitamin K2 and how important it is for good health.
"One of its most important functions is to regulate calcium deposition. In other words, it promotes the calcification of bones and prevents the calcification of blood vessels and kidneys " from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-k2#functions

A good source of Vitamin K2 is high-fat dairy products from grass-fed cows.

 

[Mini Horses]

Can't sell raw milk in VA. There are some "herd shares" around, otherwise it's all been through a lot of processing. I've been so tempted to buy a cow -- just always wanted one -- BUT my goats give me A2A2 and it's delish! Plus, I know exactly how it was made and handled I have a cream separator, pulls cream for butter and cheaper than a cow. Sorry cows.

Of course, there is a guy close with a "herd share" farm selling calves and a couple stellar Jerseys. One recently freshened and giving 5 gal a day. Just shoot me!!! But, I'm resisting. It's hard. But I can feed 1/2 my herd with just her daily feed needs. Another thing -- pellets sweep, pods don't.

 

[Mini Horses]

When milking, my does get alfalfa every day. Yes, not getting it into cold ASAP will not help the taste.....as @thistlebloom found. I have Saanen & Nubian (pure & Xbred) also. Personally I find it makes great milk -- xbreds give plenty of milk with good amounts of butterfat. Feed makes a difference in quantity and taste.

 

[NH Homesteader]

I've only read a little about A2A2 milk. I think it is fantastic to breed for a good homestead cow. I adore Dexters but the price is astronomical. I have dairy goats instead but I've always thought a cow might be great someday...

 

[frustratedearthmother]

I've thought about a cow too - for the ease of getting the cream. Used to think about it - but now I guess I'll just stick with tha goats...

I'm uninformed about the A2 milk...maybe because I've used goat milk for so many years, lol.