Miniature Cattle

dadof10 · 06-20-2008, 12:57 PM

Does anybody have any miniature cattle. I have heard about them but never seen them. Can you give me pro's and con's. Pictures?

kellidahorsegirl · 06-20-2008, 01:12 PM

I don't have any but want one HAHA .. We just have full sized cattle

I've HEARD that the Lowlines can be rather fiesty...but who knows
http://www.minicowswest.com/
This site shows the Lowlines (mini angus) and mini belted galloways

Then there are miniature herefords http://www.miniaturehereford.com/

And then there are some smaller breeds like Highlanders, but they're not mini..they're just small haha

AND if you crossed a mini hereford with a lowline,,,you SHOULD get a mini baldy (black with a white face...like a piebald horse

) SO CUTE...thats what I'm planning to do if I ever get one haha

ToveroMom · 06-20-2008, 01:31 PM

Dexters are great-look a lot like little angus and process out amazingly well-more ribeye steaks than the big boys.
Awaiting next year when we are getting a bred Dexter cow.
http://dextercattle.org/

Sassy · 06-20-2008, 01:37 PM

Some friend of mine Ed and Carole have a pair of miniature cows a bull long horn and a not sureof bre cow. They had a calf last year and this year, I belive teh year before. Not sure whats he does with them!? I seen their calf was so cute... Was six months old already and man she was small... Temperament not sure of but theirs seemed quiet enough!

ToveroMom · 06-20-2008, 01:47 PM

Not everyone has the land or the want to to have full sized cattle-it is nice to have the option of the little guys.

**QuarterCowGirl** · 06-20-2008, 02:50 PM

We have Dexters here, They are the world's smallest breed of cattle.

The mini Herefords and such, that is just dwarfism in cattle that people breed for - sadly. If they are not bred perfectly, they will have many health issues. If you can't tell, I'm 100% against it.

RenosGirl · 06-20-2008, 03:00 PM

I don't know if this is what you are talking about but we have Zebou (sp?) cows at my farm, they are super easy to take care of. We have a male and a female and they seem to get along with all the other animals fine. We take them to petting zoos.

here is our male

look to the far right for him

and our female

ToveroMom · 06-20-2008, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by QuarterCowGirl

We have Dexters here, They are the world's smallest breed of cattle.

The mini Herefords and such, that is just dwarfism in cattle that people breed for - sadly. If they are not bred perfectly, they will have many health issues. If you can't tell, I'm 100% against it.

Actually the hereford breeders now test for chondroplasia and DO NOT breed carriers. Maybe different in Canada?
Check out the info on them.
I have just been talking with a lady here about a mini herford.
PS_Love the cattle and the llamas

dadof10 · 06-20-2008, 04:15 PM

Can you get the same price per pound for them? I am interested in Dexters.

ToveroMom · 06-20-2008, 04:18 PM

Those little things are pricey for broodstock LOL
I can buy a bred regular cow for lots less-I just do not have the room.
They are much cheaper to feed out as well.

kellidahorsegirl · 06-20-2008, 04:27 PM

At a sale barn...price for pound is price for pound no matter what kind of cow it is

So yeah.

But buying from a breeder, they're more of a niche market, so they're more expensive. On average, a mini heifer (from what I've asked around) is 1500....while you can buy a full sized heifer for 700-900

ToveroMom · 06-20-2008, 04:52 PM

They never go through the sales barns here..

I wish.
Sometimes the zebus but not the "beefy" types. I don't want a steer-want a cow/heifer though.
I find them online not through "breeder" listings but just livestock ads..etc right around 1000.
BUT that takes hunting..I just do not want one right now-still looking to keep my hand in but will look harder towards fall.

kellidahorsegirl · 06-20-2008, 05:00 PM

Yeah, those specialty breeders are too smart to put their minis through the sale barn haha (can't say that I blame them).

There was recently a herd dispersal of mini herefords in Eastern CO and they were asking around 800 for heifers...not too bad really. But like I said,,,rare to find them under 1000. Or you could go to any of the Stock Shows and pick one up for 10 grand or more

Karen Cole · 06-20-2008, 05:04 PM

I have a friend who used to raise Mini Jersey cattle, she never complained about temperment even with the bull. He was fine until he got to be 3 or 4 which I think is normal even for a full sized bull. Not much is cuter than a Mini Jersey calf!!!

Karen

ToveroMom · 06-20-2008, 05:32 PM

Lots of folks selling lots of things cheaper these days..sad thing.

If someone around her wants a mini hereford I can give you the ad-600.00 18mo heifer.
I am going to be gone so much this summer-timing is wrong for me.

Gemni · 06-26-2008, 09:42 AM

We have a family friend that breeds and raises miniature herefords. He does a WONDERFUL job with them. I'll try to get some pictures this week when I go over there for you.

farmergal · 06-29-2008, 05:46 AM

I have Dexter mix Cows. Somehow I don't think of them as mini.

I love the babies. My cow produced her first calf this spring. It weighed less than 30 lbs. I'm going to guess that ma cow weighs 600 lbs or less.
The pros- They don't eat much.

We had a hay shortage and had to reduce our herd. I made my husband sell his three Herefords when he wanted to sell my girls. His were gluttonous pigs if you ask me.

The cons- I'm not sure if all cows are like mine but my cows tend to be flighty and mouthy compared to our Herefords. They aren't as tame either. I mixed my Dexter with an Angus in an attempt to have polled Dexters. I'm early into my breeding program as I just got my first calf this spring. She is 3/4 Dexter and hopefully polled like her mom.

If I can figure out were I left my camera

I'll get a pic of my three girls.

farmergal · 06-29-2008, 07:52 PM

My girls

This is our bull and my Dexter mix heifer. They are the same age.

My heifer calf, she is 3/4 Dexter. At 3 months of age I guess her to be around 70 lbs. Still not the weight of a day old dairy calf sold at auction.

horselady · 06-29-2008, 08:08 PM

I do not know that much about cows but those are nice looking

ToveroMom · 06-29-2008, 08:29 PM

How cute..I cannot wait to get our cow.

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06-20-2008, 12:57 PM
dadof10 Halter broke Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Ochlocknee Posts: 170	Miniature Cattle Does anybody have any miniature cattle. I have heard about them but never seen them. Can you give me pro's and con's. Pictures? __________________ It is not enough for a man to learn to ride, he must learn to fall

06-20-2008, 01:12 PM
kellidahorsegirl Weanling Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Nebraska Posts: 355	I don't have any but want one HAHA .. We just have full sized cattle I've HEARD that the Lowlines can be rather fiesty...but who knows http://www.minicowswest.com/ This site shows the Lowlines (mini angus) and mini belted galloways Then there are miniature herefords http://www.miniaturehereford.com/ And then there are some smaller breeds like Highlanders, but they're not mini..they're just small haha AND if you crossed a mini hereford with a lowline,,,you SHOULD get a mini baldy (black with a white face...like a piebald horse ) SO CUTE...thats what I'm planning to do if I ever get one haha __________________ Kelli I'm not so good at the advice... Can I interest you in a sarcastic comment?

06-20-2008, 01:31 PM
ToveroMom Pasture Pet Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Cleveland TX Posts: 15,313	Dexters are great-look a lot like little angus and process out amazingly well-more ribeye steaks than the big boys. Awaiting next year when we are getting a bred Dexter cow. http://dextercattle.org/ __________________ "In America,anyone can be President. That is one of the chances you take" Adlai Stevenson

06-20-2008, 01:37 PM
Sassy Started Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Northern Alberta, Canada Posts: 2,332	Some friend of mine Ed and Carole have a pair of miniature cows a bull long horn and a not sureof bre cow. They had a calf last year and this year, I belive teh year before. Not sure whats he does with them!? I seen their calf was so cute... Was six months old already and man she was small... Temperament not sure of but theirs seemed quiet enough! __________________ A horse which stops dead just before a jump and thus propels its rider into a graceful arc provides a splendid excuse for general merriment. ~ DUKE OF ENDINBURGH ~

06-20-2008, 01:47 PM
ToveroMom Pasture Pet Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Cleveland TX Posts: 15,313	Not everyone has the land or the want to to have full sized cattle-it is nice to have the option of the little guys. __________________ "In America,anyone can be President. That is one of the chances you take" Adlai Stevenson

06-20-2008, 02:50 PM
QuarterCowGirl Welcome and Introductions Moderator Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 6,657	We have Dexters here, They are the world's smallest breed of cattle. The mini Herefords and such, that is just dwarfism in cattle that people breed for - sadly. If they are not bred perfectly, they will have many health issues. If you can't tell, I'm 100% against it. __________________ I'm a farmer - I'll grow on you. Last edited by QuarterCowGirl : 06-20-2008 at 05:33 PM.

06-20-2008, 03:00 PM
RenosGirl Yearling Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Edmonton, Alberta Posts: 595	I don't know if this is what you are talking about but we have Zebou (sp?) cows at my farm, they are super easy to take care of. We have a male and a female and they seem to get along with all the other animals fine. We take them to petting zoos. here is our male look to the far right for him and our female __________________ Go and love your babies today, and everyday...you never know when it could be the last time.

06-20-2008, 04:15 PM
dadof10 Halter broke Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Ochlocknee Posts: 170	Can you get the same price per pound for them? I am interested in Dexters. __________________ It is not enough for a man to learn to ride, he must learn to fall

06-20-2008, 04:18 PM
ToveroMom Pasture Pet Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Cleveland TX Posts: 15,313	Those little things are pricey for broodstock LOL I can buy a bred regular cow for lots less-I just do not have the room. They are much cheaper to feed out as well. __________________ "In America,anyone can be President. That is one of the chances you take" Adlai Stevenson

06-20-2008, 04:27 PM
kellidahorsegirl Weanling Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Nebraska Posts: 355	At a sale barn...price for pound is price for pound no matter what kind of cow it is So yeah. But buying from a breeder, they're more of a niche market, so they're more expensive. On average, a mini heifer (from what I've asked around) is 1500....while you can buy a full sized heifer for 700-900 __________________ Kelli I'm not so good at the advice... Can I interest you in a sarcastic comment?

06-20-2008, 04:52 PM
ToveroMom Pasture Pet Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Cleveland TX Posts: 15,313	They never go through the sales barns here.. I wish. Sometimes the zebus but not the "beefy" types. I don't want a steer-want a cow/heifer though. I find them online not through "breeder" listings but just livestock ads..etc right around 1000. BUT that takes hunting..I just do not want one right now-still looking to keep my hand in but will look harder towards fall. __________________ "In America,anyone can be President. That is one of the chances you take" Adlai Stevenson

06-20-2008, 05:00 PM
kellidahorsegirl Weanling Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Nebraska Posts: 355	Yeah, those specialty breeders are too smart to put their minis through the sale barn haha (can't say that I blame them). There was recently a herd dispersal of mini herefords in Eastern CO and they were asking around 800 for heifers...not too bad really. But like I said,,,rare to find them under 1000. Or you could go to any of the Stock Shows and pick one up for 10 grand or more __________________ Kelli I'm not so good at the advice... Can I interest you in a sarcastic comment?

06-20-2008, 05:04 PM
Karen Cole Long Yearling Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,442	I have a friend who used to raise Mini Jersey cattle, she never complained about temperment even with the bull. He was fine until he got to be 3 or 4 which I think is normal even for a full sized bull. Not much is cuter than a Mini Jersey calf!!! Karen

06-20-2008, 05:32 PM
ToveroMom Pasture Pet Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Cleveland TX Posts: 15,313	Lots of folks selling lots of things cheaper these days..sad thing. If someone around her wants a mini hereford I can give you the ad-600.00 18mo heifer. I am going to be gone so much this summer-timing is wrong for me. __________________ "In America,anyone can be President. That is one of the chances you take" Adlai Stevenson

06-26-2008, 09:42 AM
Gemni Yearling Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: East Central, Minnesota Posts: 801	We have a family friend that breeds and raises miniature herefords. He does a WONDERFUL job with them. I'll try to get some pictures this week when I go over there for you. __________________ When life hands you lemons, just add the liquor and you got yourself some lemonade

06-29-2008, 05:46 AM
farmergal Seasoned Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: New York Posts: 4,818	I have Dexter mix Cows. Somehow I don't think of them as mini. I love the babies. My cow produced her first calf this spring. It weighed less than 30 lbs. I'm going to guess that ma cow weighs 600 lbs or less. The pros- They don't eat much. We had a hay shortage and had to reduce our herd. I made my husband sell his three Herefords when he wanted to sell my girls. His were gluttonous pigs if you ask me. The cons- I'm not sure if all cows are like mine but my cows tend to be flighty and mouthy compared to our Herefords. They aren't as tame either. I mixed my Dexter with an Angus in an attempt to have polled Dexters. I'm early into my breeding program as I just got my first calf this spring. She is 3/4 Dexter and hopefully polled like her mom. If I can figure out were I left my camera I'll get a pic of my three girls. __________________

06-29-2008, 07:52 PM
farmergal Seasoned Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: New York Posts: 4,818	My girls This is our bull and my Dexter mix heifer. They are the same age. My heifer calf, she is 3/4 Dexter. At 3 months of age I guess her to be around 70 lbs. Still not the weight of a day old dairy calf sold at auction. __________________

06-29-2008, 08:08 PM
horselady Greenbroke Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: albany new york Posts: 3,332	I do not know that much about cows but those are nice looking __________________ www.rainbow-horse-retirement.com We love and take care of your companion for the remainder of his lifetime

06-29-2008, 08:29 PM
ToveroMom Pasture Pet Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Cleveland TX Posts: 15,313	How cute..I cannot wait to get our cow. __________________ "In America,anyone can be President. That is one of the chances you take" Adlai Stevenson