need to learn how to keep a couple small cattle

[trunkman]

Hello everyone, I'm wanting to start raising small cattle, only a few dexter cattle or maybe zebu. I grew up helping with the feeding, cleaning, helping bailing hay and so on but didn't learn much because I was just a child. I'm middle aged now and want to raise a few small cattle myself, both for milk and meat and most say the dexter cattle is one of the best for both. The only thing is I have a lot of questions, some questions may be dumb but I just don't know much. So here goes, I don't have much land to keep them on, I only have a half acre for them to graze on, I've been told I don't need much land as long as they are well enclosed and I can feed them grain and hay. Are they right or should I just give up on the dream?

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

I saw someone with mini Herefords and they didn't have them on much land...they looked totally content to me.

 

[farmchick897]

As long as you are willing to feed hay then 1/2 acre would be fine. I wouldn't get many though.. Maybe 2-3. Dexters would probably work get for what you are looking for. Good luck!

 

[redrstr29]

Minerals are important (quality of grass) if not you can supplement, also make sure the grounds not too soggy (hoof rot) and make sure there's some sort of shelter, (even a wall) so they can seek refuge, besides that and vaccinations its pretty much farmer and the dell lol

 

[PrairieK]

I have 3 zebu, 3 pigs and 2 mini donkeys on 2 acres. I don't feed them much at all and they are all plump. Of course in the winter they go through a lot of hay. But for half an acre and dexters I wouldn't get more than 2.