Why Miniature Cattle: Reasons To Choose Mini Cows

Whether you’re an experienced farmer or if you’re new to this field, you need to look into all the options available if you wish to gain profit and live through that dreadful first year of being the owner of this open business. 

Mini cows? Really? How could a mini cow help you in business? That is what exactly you will find here. So, without further ado, let’s find out Why Miniature Cattle- Reasons To Choose Mini Cows. 

What is mini? Miniature cows are what they sound like, they are normal cows but smaller in size. While you may think it is unproductive, in reality, there are plenty of reasons why farmers opt for mini cows in comparison to normal-sized cows. 

So, what exactly miniature cows are? These are normal cows that have been bred into a compact size. It means that you’ll get less milk but at the same time you have to spend less caring for them, less space to keep them and they eat and drink a lot less than a normal-sized cow. 

Nowadays there are plenty of different breeds to choose from, which you will find below in this section at Broadway Family Farms, but first, you have to make up your mind why you would go for a miniature cow in the first place. 

Miniature cows can be classified into three categories depending on the height at the hip of the cattle. 

• Midsize miniature cows range from 42 to 48 inches at the hip.
• Standard miniature cows measures from 36 to 42 inches.
• Micro-miniature cows are very small in size and are less than 36 inches in height at the hip.

So normally, a miniature cattle breed ranges anywhere from 1/2 to 1/3 normal size of the cattle.

There are many reasons why miniature cattle breeds are gaining popularity. With many weighing 500 pounds, they are best for homesteaders who are new to livestock, have limited pasture space, or don’t have high milk or beef requirements. 

Check out the reasons why mini cows are such a good choice.

Minis are easier to handle. For someone new to livestock, handling 1500-pound dairy cows can be a challenging task. Some people may never be comfortable with large animals. Miniature cattle are easier to handle and much more docile than other larger size cattle. Giving regular husbandry like injections, worming, milking and first aid is easier for the new homesteader. 

They are safer for families with children. Even the milk of mini cows is too strong for children to handle. Young children can easily get into an accident and get injured. You need to supervise the livestock if you have young children at home but mini cows are much safer.

There’ll do less damage to pasture and fencing. Cattle can be rough on pasture due to their hooves and weight. Minis are much easier on pasture and fencing as well. Beef cattle are rough on fencing but for mini cattle, you won’t need a super tough and expensive fencing

You will save money on feed. Naturally, if a cow is around 500 pounds weight will eat much less than a cow that weighs 1,500 pounds. Small heritage breeds like Dexter cows eat less than other normal size cows. 

Breeding mini cows, especially popular types and heritage breeds can help you increase your income. But it shouldn’t be your focus but considering your area, selling some extra calves could pay for the living costs of your herd and help you earn more profit. 

Miniature cows make better pets because of their calm, easily trainable, and gentle nature. This makes them a perfect pet for any family that has young children or elders. Some breeds may have horns and can harm the child but there are plenty of other options you can choose mini cows from. 

Normally a mini cow can range anywhere from around $1,000 to $7,000. Even though there are more expensive than their full-size cow breeds but they have fewer requirements. It makes it easier to own more cows per acre of land you own and produce better milk and gain profit. 

Before buying any pet mini cows, it’s crucial that you should be prepared. Check out some of the things you should be aware of before you buy any cow. 

• Need Calve coats for cold weather
• Require Heat lamps for colder months
• Harnesses for leading and training
• Herbal ley for worm control
• Electrical milking machine for farms if you own many cows or cows having small teats
• Mineral or salt blocks
• Freshwater fed to them 

It is important you do proper research on your end and prepare yourself and your family before you make any such commitment. Though they are extremely easy to handle, mini cows can live a very long and healthy life. They are wonderful pets and companions, and they are pretty self-sufficient, especially with the kids. 

If you buy a miniature cow as a baby, Broadway Family Farms is the right place. Our mini cows may be new to the farm, but they quickly adapt at home. We have Lowline Angus, American Aberdeen- a Scottish breed mini cow, Miniature Hereford Cows, American Mini Beltie, and many more also on the farm. 

Contact us now and find out more about our mini cows, stock cows, other breeders, and sale barns. We would be happy to help you at every step.