Miniature Cattle Breeds for Small Farms

When deciding to raise cattle it is important to consider your experience, knowledge, budget, and acreage available. Some cattle are better suited for larger areas, while many others can be raised within smaller farms. There are various viable options of cattle for small farms, for either small-scale beef or milk production. It is important to note that every breed has its own unique characteristics in terms of lean-to fat ratio, milk production, feeding requirements, and climate they can be kept in. Miniature cattle are approximately 36 to 42 inches, but midsize miniature cattle can measure from 42 to 48 inches at the hip. They can also produce 1 to 1.5 gallons of milk, they produce less waste, and don’t require heavy duty fencing.

Miniature Galloway

The Miniature Galloway is often referred to as a hardy breed. They are classified into three categories: Belted Galloways, white Galloways, and Galloways. The Belted Galloways are the most distinguishable due to their black colour (could also possibly be red or brown) with a white stripe through its middle – like an Oreo. They require clean water, high quality hay, and regular parasite control and vaccinations. At maturity their height is at most 42 inches. They have various other advantages that are listed below:

  • They are naturally polled beef cattle which mean they are naturally hornless, so you don’t have to expend effort to dehorn them
  • They have a double coat of hair in the winter which reduces their food intake and essentially lowers the cost to produce favourable, lean meat
  • Known for their longevity and hardiness
  • High fertility rates and calving is easy

Miniature Dexter

The Miniature Dexter has an average lifespan of about 17-18 years and are recognized for their powerful maternal instinct and calving ease. A mature bull can reach up to 47 inches and are mostly black, though you may find a few that are dark red. Dexter cows are horned and require shelter from extreme weather conditions. Some advantages of Dexter cattle are as follows:

  • They can forage for their own food so they can thrive in areas with drought problems
  • Dexter’s are milking cows so the less food you provide, the less milk they produce
  • They are 2/3 the size of a standard breed and more cattle can be stocked per acre when compared to normal-sized cows
  • Considered dual-purpose cows for their milk and meat. They can produce 20 litres of milk daily

Lowline

While farmers bred the Angus herd in Australia, the Lowline cattle were accidentally discovered. This breed is known for their hardy nature, muscular body, and fertility success. They are black or red in colour and can grow up to 39 inches tall. Some of their advantages are as follows.

  • Known for their calving ease and mothering ability
  • Feed requirements are less than a mature cow and they are ideal for intense grazing conditions
  • Naturally hornless and can adapt to a wide variety of climates
  • They are rare and their beef demand is very high

Miniature Herefords

Known for their gentle nature, the Miniature Herefords are an excellent pet or beef producer. Mini Herefords only weigh 700 to 1000 pounds and are short legged, muscular, and chunky cattle. Some of their advantages are:

  • Require less pasture space
  • Produce less manure
  • Easily convert feed into meat
  • Very hardy and adapt well to various climates
  • Produce good quality meat and are easy to handle

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