Small cattle are a unique sight in this bigger-is-better world. Some mini cows are smaller versions of the full-size breed, and others are smaller breeds themselves. For a variety of reasons, these down-sized cattle can be a great choice for farmers.
For individuals, there is no reason not to consider miniature cattle, and many reasons to consider it. Small cattle produce less total meat or milk per animal, but with a greater percentage of their weight converted to beef or milk than in full-size animals. They also require less pasture per animal, and are more efficient at converting that feed.
Commercial entities have additional costs associated with each animal that means bigger is better. If they get less meat or milk out of each animal percentage-wise, it is balanced out by having fewer animals that need health checks, vaccinations, hoof trimming, ear tags, and slaughtering. But these are not generally enough trouble to make keeping the smaller animals troublesome for non-commercial environments.
Smaller cattle means less space is needed to keep them. If you are a person who wants to have a hobby farm but didn't think you had enough room for cattle, think again. The same goes for people who want a person cow or two for milk. And if you've ever wanted a pet cow, smaller is definitely better for this.
Even a small cow is not a small animal, however. A full-size modern dairy cow can weigh a thousand pounds, and her diminutive 'miniature' cousin might weigh half that. There are some people that say that miniature cattle are actually a more natural size, because it is only relatively recently that people have bred for larger size and created thousand-pound cows.
Most of the miniature cattle available are bred-down versions of their larger cousins, with distinct breeds. This means that you can find miniature Jerseys or miniature Herefords if you have a breed that you already love. Generally, the purpose of the breed has been maintained, which means some minis are better for meat or milk.
Starting in mini cows can be expensive, because they are relatively rare. However, the people who are breeding them tend to be serious enthusiasts, who can give you pointers, explain things about keeping these animals, and refer you to other sources. Talk to one or more of these knowledgeable individuals before you decide if these tiny cattle are right for you.
For individuals, there is no reason not to consider miniature cattle, and many reasons to consider it. Small cattle produce less total meat or milk per animal, but with a greater percentage of their weight converted to beef or milk than in full-size animals. They also require less pasture per animal, and are more efficient at converting that feed.
Commercial entities have additional costs associated with each animal that means bigger is better. If they get less meat or milk out of each animal percentage-wise, it is balanced out by having fewer animals that need health checks, vaccinations, hoof trimming, ear tags, and slaughtering. But these are not generally enough trouble to make keeping the smaller animals troublesome for non-commercial environments.
Smaller cattle means less space is needed to keep them. If you are a person who wants to have a hobby farm but didn't think you had enough room for cattle, think again. The same goes for people who want a person cow or two for milk. And if you've ever wanted a pet cow, smaller is definitely better for this.
Even a small cow is not a small animal, however. A full-size modern dairy cow can weigh a thousand pounds, and her diminutive 'miniature' cousin might weigh half that. There are some people that say that miniature cattle are actually a more natural size, because it is only relatively recently that people have bred for larger size and created thousand-pound cows.
Most of the miniature cattle available are bred-down versions of their larger cousins, with distinct breeds. This means that you can find miniature Jerseys or miniature Herefords if you have a breed that you already love. Generally, the purpose of the breed has been maintained, which means some minis are better for meat or milk.
Starting in mini cows can be expensive, because they are relatively rare. However, the people who are breeding them tend to be serious enthusiasts, who can give you pointers, explain things about keeping these animals, and refer you to other sources. Talk to one or more of these knowledgeable individuals before you decide if these tiny cattle are right for you.
About the Author:
R and E Ranch offers mini cows. The specialize in Miniature Herefords. Save money on feed and enjoy the same advantages of having cattle in your field. (http://www.randeranch305.com/)
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