Wellie, I have always LOVED the Oreo cow.
When compared to the Dexter's these are big critters they are almost the same size as the Angus breed. If I remember correctly they were primarily raised for beef not their milk.
Our neighbors have Highlands which are a great "put out in the filed and forget" breed. Very hearty like the Galloway's but about 1/3 their size. You can milk the Highlands too BUT they have horns and are not afraid to butt you with them. So milking a Highland cow could be a challenge.
As mentioned in an earlier post somewhere on this site; Our neighbors took one of their four year old Highland's to the butcher (Reba) back in August. She hadn't produced a calf in the four years she was on this earth. When all said and done, the butcher reported that the hanging weight was 375 lb's. Because she was as old as she was about half of her became burger and stew meat but there were a few steaks and of course the back straps (Tender loins).
Attached is Tess with her new calf Teddy about 16 months ago. He will be going to the butcher in June of 2015 or sold off as they do not need another bull. Which ever will give them the greatest ROI.
It looks like Tess is pregnant again and we are all hoping for a female calf.
