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 raise mini cows on your farm.

Raising mini cows can greatly benefit your farm. Business wise, they have a higher profit margin compared to commercial cows. If homesteading is your goal, then mini cows are a perfect match for your family as they are tame and gentle.  

With that said, let’s find out more why miniature cattle would be the best fit for your farm.

What is a mini cow? 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 are miniature cows? These are normal cows that have been bred into a compact size. It means that you’ll get less meat, but at the same time you have to spend less caring for them, less space to keep them plus 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, take a look at everything you need to know about mini cows:

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. 

Below are a few 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. 

* MINIS ARE SAFER FOR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN: Mini cows are much more gentle and tamer than commercial cows. They naturally have a sweet temperment, and because they are not as big, feeding and working with them with kids makes it much easier and enjoyable. Of course, young children need to be supervised around all livestock, but mini cows are much safer. 

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. 

* MINIS CAUSE LESS DAMAGE TO PASTURE & 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. 

* MINIS SAVE YOU MONEY ON FEED: Naturally, a cow that is around 500 pounds 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. Considering your area, selling some extra calves could pay for the living costs of your herd and help you earn more profit. 

Normally, a mini cow can range anywhere from around $1,000 to $7,000. Even though they are more expensive than other cow breeds, 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: 

• Fresh water source
• Quality hay source
• Sustainable fencing
• Calve coats for cold weather
• 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

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 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 Black Baldis.

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!