raw milk cream content

[snugglebug14]

How much cream do you guys get from a gallon of raw milk? I know it depends on what kind of cow it's from, but in general. thanks

[gardenmommy]

I probably average a quart of cream per gallon of milk. In the spring, when the grass is really growing, maybe a quart and a half.

[twins10705]

Originally Posted by gardenmommy

I probably average a quart of cream per gallon of milk. In the spring, when the grass is really growing, maybe a quart and a half.

What kind of cow do you have?

--Amanda

[gardenmommy]

Guernsey. They are known for very high butterfat content. They are also somewhat difficult to find, as they are a rare breed these days. That's why so many people have Jerseys, they are much easier to find.

[AnnC]

Originally Posted by gardenmommy

Guernsey. They are known for very high butterfat content. They are also somewhat difficult to find, as they are a rare breed these days. That's why so many people have Jerseys, they are much easier to find.

I get Jersey milk from my cowshare, and get almost a quart of cream per gallon.

Ann

[gardenmommy]

Yes, AnnC, you are correct. Jerseys also have very high butterfat content in their milk. My parents prefer their Guernsey, and like to do their bit to help keep the breed from dying out. These two breeds generally have higher fat content in their milk than Holsteins (although individual cows can differ, of course).

[AnnC]

Originally Posted by gardenmommy

Yes, AnnC, you are correct. Jerseys also have very high butterfat content in their milk. My parents prefer their Guernsey, and like to do their bit to help keep the breed from dying out. These two breeds generally have higher fat content in their milk than Holsteins (although individual cows can differ, of course).

I think that's great, that they're trying to keep the breed going. My best friend just bought two Dexter heifers for the same reason.
I was surprised that my cowshare guy told me his one Holstein has more butterfat in her milk than any of his Jerseys. Just individual differences. I think that's why he only has the one Holstein, she's the only one he's found with that high fat content!
Normally he mixes all the milking for the day together, and fills the jars for his cowshare people. But that day I was making cheese, and he just gave it to me straight out of the cow, so I got that specific cow's milk. It was great, I took it home and didn't have to heat it up -- it was at 95 degrees, and I just added the culture and went from there.

Ann

[gardenmommy]

I do that all the time! I usually end up at the farm (I have horses to feed everyday, so we're there about the same time each day) just about the time my dad is milking, or getting ready to milk, so I take home a gallon of warm milk.

My mom wants to get some dexter cattle as well. Or some belted galloways (you know, the oreo cookie cattle). We actually enjoy working with endangered breeds; it's kinda neat to have different livestock than everyone else has!