Mini Cow / Micro Cow / Miniature Cow ? What in the world?

[Cara]

I agree with being very careful about Dexters. My friend's family had one when we were growing up, and she was so dangerous that when she was sick and needed putting down, the vet had to shoot her from over the fence. From what I have heard most miniature breeds do not have as good a temperament as larger cattle...kind of like the Shetland Pony/Clydesdale thing.

 

[cknmom]

I have been looking into them for a couple of years now. We are not ready for cows yet though. The list goes: horse(S) goat(s) mule(S)/donkey(S). Then it is just wants mini cow(S)/bull(s), pig(s).Ducks when we get the pond done.
Thanks for the info.
Monica

 

[greyfields]

It is very hard for me not to recommend Dexters, even though I raise Angus and Simmental crosses. Dexters are just the ideal cow for smallholders. I have never heard of any being mean (but all animals have potential for being mean, not just breeds). Some have even developed decently milking strains of Dexters.

The thing to watch out for is the Bullhead calf, which is a genetic diseaes in Dexters. There is a test for it, so when buying your heifers be sure she's been checked.

 

[newchickowner]

Years ago there was a farm in Ocala that had mini Brahmas. Don't know if they still do, and don't know if they're temperment was any different. Maybe I'll google it and do some research. I'd like to have some mini cows too.

 

[MBLayfield]

KStaven I'm not sure what we are looking for yet. We are currently raising angus and will be selling all but five this year. The five are two heifers, the bull and the two bull calves for slaughter this fall. 80 ton of hay last year cost us just shy of $10000.00, and when I mean just shy I mean buy a few dollars. We lost big time this year. I'd like to have something thats dual purpose (i have my own definition) My definition of dual purpose is: 1) not a huge hay burner 2) meat and possibly milk both would be great 3) something that appeals to the backyard hobbyist that doesn't have 30 acres. If you have additional information or a website that would be great. Although I live in Utah, my husband and I both have taken road trips for stock at times depending on our need.

My husband really doesn't want to sell but we can't keep feeding these guys to take such a hit on beef. I have only one customer that I make money from and thats because of his nationality and religion he requires his beef to be processed differently than most people and fortunately I can accomodate him and he is willing to pay for the accomodations. I'm trying to get hubby to look at it from a different approach and accomodate a larger population by going organic also. Sorry to hijack the thread with my long windedness.

 

[kstaven]

Tough call MB. The smaller cattle do have the advantage of more per acre. A lot less feed per cow. Better dressed out weight. Niche market animals are the best bet of survival these days. Smaller cows are gaining popularity. Problem is the price to get initial stock. You wheren't hijacking anything.

Might want to reread the arcticle seedcorn. It wasn't us that separated her from the mother. We had a contract for a cow calf pair and only the mother was shipped. I knew when she showed up at 2:00 AM on a truck by herself that it was going to be a big problem. She is not what I would call a herd animal. Very much a loner. Aggressive to the other cows to this day. And this cow came from a highly recommended breeder. That is the one reason I didn't drive out to see her first. Never did get the calf. But that is another story.

Dexters do have some real potential. But be aware there are two very distinct body structures out there, besides the bull heeded gene problem. The longer legged dexter type is not a good choice for dual purpose. Get a group of dexter breeders together and you will find the "problem child dexter" is far more common than anyone in the community ever wants to admit to the public. "God forbid if they told the whole story the market would drop off!!!!"

 

[Frozen Feathers]

You should get Sundogs .

They are truly tiny and bred specifically for pets. Expensive yes, but bred for friendliness.

Zebus (miniature Brahma) are very cute and interesting. Would be a great breed to have if you want Brahmas but not the size of one. I love Brahmas, they are so soft and their skin is all loose like hound dogs, but they are huge. My bff's neighbor raises them and every time I visit her, I make sure to go see the Brahmas.

My experience with Dexters has brought me to the conclusion that I don't want one. :|

 

[Wooden_Pony]

Quote:
Rob,

There is a ranch out of Sac. that raises the Zebus.

They have pastures full of them the mini Brahmas. I love driving by and seeing them.

We grew up with a neighbor that raised the Brahmas they were sweet cattle. We would halter and drag the bull around the ranch with us he was such a sweetie!!

 

[lilcows]

Quote:
I breed Dexter cattle. I have them for many reasons and kind, gentle temperament is the most important one. They are the perfect cow for a small holder. The beef is tender and delicious and the milk is excellent. Check out my cows at http://farfarawayfarm.blogspot.com/

I have been too busy to update my blogspot for months but it has quite a few Dexter pictures.
My grandchildren have mini horses and they have wonderful dispositions. One size does not fit all.

Margaret

 

[kstaven]

I agree that GOOD dexters from GOOD breeders are great. But none the less, there are some very bad breeders out there with stock that is less than quality in conformation and temperment. Same as in any other breed of animal, there is good and bad.