OT: Miniature Cattle

James Howell · Sep 25, 2009

While watching the local news this morning, it was reported that the State Fair of Texas officially opens today.

One of the exhibits every year at the State Fair is the "cattle barn" with all the various livestock on show.

This morning two Miniature Herefords were shown on camera with their owner.

Lady rancher said that miniature calves weened faster and that more miniature cattle per acre was economically possible.

I have talked with one of our professors several months ago, Dr. Chuck Dale, who raises miniature cattle.

He said that for some reason there were no calves born the first year.

First question I had was "Do you have a bull?".

He assured me that there was a bull, so my next suggestion was that maybe a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IlW9velocM&feature=related">new bull</a> might be necessary.

When the miniature breed is full grown it is only half the size of the "normal" breed.

Any of you folks raising miniature cattle?

Anonymous-0 · Sep 25, 2009

We have some dexters. They are delicious but dont grow real fast. Crossed them with piedmontese and we have calves as big as the cows in a couple months.

James Howell · Sep 25, 2009

Found this site on <a href="http://www.dextercattle.org/">Dexter</a> cattle; very interesting history.

Loren MN · Sep 25, 2009

I'm raising lowline black angus. They're about 2/3 the size of regular angus, and very docile. The breed was developed in Australia by selective breeding of black angus for frame size. They are supposed to be more efficient feeders, with more finished meat per acre.

I have 2 steers we're fattening to butcher in Dec., and a herd of 5 heifers and a bull. The bull is full blood, and the heifers are 3/4 blood. They're very enjoyable animals to work with, almost more like pets. They're noted for having very little calving difficulty, due to small calving weight. Hoping to have 5 calves next May.

James Howell · Sep 25, 2009

One of my neighbors, Gary Lewis, raises the Black Angus.

Once he finishes with his hay crop, he brings in Black Angus cattle.

There is one other remote neighbor, Jimmy Ayers, who owns most of Morris County that also raises Black Angus.

Now I understand why they prefer Black Angus.

Nancy Howell · Sep 25, 2009

Keep us posted on how the calves do.

John A. · Sep 25, 2009

James, Now here is a concept for you. We all know that there are miniature Hereford Cattle and miniature Brahman Cattle.
Cross mini Brahman bulls onto mini Hereford cows.....Viola, Now you have F1 tiger-stripe, and Braford offspring. Save the females! and build a set of miniature F1 tiger-striped females, or F1 Brafords. Same atributes of the big F1 tigers, or Brafords we run here in Central Texas, but only smaller.
My pick would be the little F1 Tigers.......Wonder how tall the pen fence will need to be. Some of my Big Tigers could clear a 6 to 7 ft fence when really stirred up! Maybe 5 to 6 will keep them in!!!
Something to think about!
Later,
John A.

OT: Miniature Cattle

James Howell

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Anonymous-0

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James Howell

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Loren MN

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James Howell

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Nancy Howell

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John A.

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