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WHY MINIATURE CATTLE VS STANDARD SIZED CATTLE?
there are many reasons for owning miniature cattle over standard sized. Here are some of the main reasons to own miniature cattle.
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EFFICIENCY........... |
The cost to grow crops has gotten to the point that livestock anymore seems to be for the rich and famous. Fertilizer prices have increased some much that farms can't hardly get it in their fields. That of course has driven hay to a all time crazy high making prices higher than anyone ever imagined. Corn, soybean and byproduct components have also reached amazing heights. What does this all mean? It is going to cost us more to feed our livestock in the future. This is a main reason that smaller livestock such as miniature cattle have found a home here in the United States. Cattle that eat 1/3 the amount of standard sized cattle in the future are the future.
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 | | Pat Soreson 5" foot 2 iche tall of Spanish Fork city Utah stands next to her Dexter cow. How can a cow this small not be more efficient than standard sized cattle?
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 | | Here Tim Cabral stands next to a herd of Lowline Angus. As you can see they are great beef cattle but smaller and more efficient cattle that do well in most environments. |
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SAFETY..............
The average mature miniature cow weighs between 300 and 700 pounds which is far smaller than standard sized cattle. Almost all miniature cattle breeds have a more docile nature and even most mature bulls are friendly enough to walk near. It is easy for small children to feed the calves due to their extremely smaller size. If halter broke even a child can handle most adult cows and lead them around.
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 | | Anthony Cabral standing next to a fully matured Dexter bull. You can see that with just a little handling these's bull are more like a pet dog than a bull. Very safe to be around for the whole family.
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 | | Lindsay all 5 foot 3" of her stands next to a group miniature bulls eating. You can see the bulls docile nature and how they don't even mind that Lindsay is so close to them. Miniature bulls are so much safer to have around than standard sized bulls. |
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MINIATURE MILKERS.........
There are several miniature cattle dairy breeds that give the same quality milk as modern dairy cows just smaller amounts. Miniature Jerseys and Dexter's breeds are examples that have high components in their milk and make great family milk cows. Lots of families want home fresh milk just squeezed from the teat instead of milk from the store which may have added hormones and sometimes BST. Lots of family's have tried Goats milk but prefer cow milk but just can't afford to feed a standard sized cow or even have the land size to keep such a animal. Miniature milkers are the perfect family milk cow due to their efficiency and size.
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 | | Tim milking this miniature jersey cow is a great example of a miniature jersey doing her thing.
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 | | Minatures cows can have great udders like the standard cows. |
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HOME RAISED BEEF..........
With the rising cost of beef or meat in the supermarket many landowners have looked into the alternative of raising there own beef. Many don't own more than a few acres but still would love to raise something nice. This is where miniature beef breeds have recently come on the scene and found a place in the cattle market. Breeds such as Lowline Angus, miniature Herfords, Galloways and Dexter's have really pushed the way for home grown beef, hobby farmers as well as cattle men who wants to run more cattle per acre and in doing so get more choice cuts. These breeds are half the size of standard animals but can still be enough for a family.
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| Jasper is a nice 3/4 blood lowline bull that is only 41" tall. Look how nice his beef frame is perfect for a family sized freezer. You could run a whole herd of this sized cattle on just a few acres.
| Not a miniature but a classic sized bull at 44" tall Brendon is great for a larger sized family. Brendon is still smaller than any standard sized bull and would still be able to fill up a freezer full of meat.
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NOVELTY.................
There are many reasons to own miniature cattle. Miniature cattle are not the ostrich and the egg or something else that sounds like it came from Mars. Almost everyone can relate to cows in some way or another. 40 years ago all our ancestors had some kind of cattle. Miniature cattle have all the same great things we remember just in a smaller package. Miniature cattle are unique, fun to look at and interesting to have on the farm because they're something different. Many people enjoy caring for livestock but don't want a goat that everyone has or a horse no one rides. With miniature cattle the smaller ones are most prized and adored.
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| Calve's this small are not only rare but unbelievable when seen in person. They truly are amazing to look at.
New miniature breeds are in development all the time. This White tailed heifer calf is in a league all her own
| Cabral Belted Jerseys are both beautiful and rare. A new miniature breed in development and one that is most eye catching. No were ease in the world but the good old USA.
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KIDS....................
Many of us remember being raised on the farm. For some of us this life style has faded. With miniature cattle children can play a big part in raising and caring for these little cattle. In doing so we are teaching responsibility and work ethics something lost to many inner city children. Miniature cattle also make great FFA projects, fairs and petting zoos. They have even been to birthday parties. They can be therapeutic for disabled children and good old fashion farm fun.
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 | | Every time a child gets to take home a new calf or see thier first mini they are over come with excitement. It is fun to watch.
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 | | These 3 little girls really enjoyed visiting the miniature cattle. So much they talked dad into buying at least one for the farm.
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TAX WRITE OFF............
Many people want to turn their house and a few acres into a miniature farm. In most states this requires 3 breeding stock meaning 3 head of females or more. The law doesn't state how big the livestock have to be. It only says you have to have so many head on your land. Miniature cattle are the perfect fit for this reason. Here in Utah they call this a green belt meaning your house and few acres is now a miniature farm and now eligible for writing everything off on your taxes. Your feed, everything the animals need and even driving to pick up your hay can all be written off. It is a great break come tax Time.
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 | | These zebus enjoy a 3 acre field full of grass in the spring time. There owner enjoys being able to write off his hay cost due to his green belt statues with the state. Even if they only have 3 acres its still a miniature farm.
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 | | Its always nice to turn your over grown back yard into a workable Pasteur for livestock. Even as small as 1/2 an acre works with minis. Fun the whole family can enjoy. |
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KID RODEOS...............
 | Don;t let thier small size fool you.
Photo Courtesty of www.saddlemule.com
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With the sport of bull riding getting more and more popular there are more kids trying to get into this exciting sport at very early ages. Kids have often told me that they would Rather ride a steer or bull vs a goat or sheep. Something that would really buck and run. Parents want something safe that is not going to hurt there child during riding. Miniature Zebus are great for smaller kids due to there lighter frame and bone structure. Some of the other breeds work out better for bigger kids but there is a breed and size for children of all ages. Miniature bulls are a great way for kids to start off and gives them the feel of being in a real rodeo and not a kids division.
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