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Barnyard Buddies:  Miniature Cattle  |
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kitchensqueen
True Blue Farmgirl
521 Posts
521 Posts |
 Posted - Feb 09 2007 : 2:37:05 PM
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I recently came across a website online (www.minicattle.com) about miniature-sized cattle which seem to have some advantages for small acreage owners, but I'm curious about the breeding. From the website mentioned, I seem to gather that they are created through cross-breeding, and then careful selection of the cross. But I also noticed that all of the breeds in existence have registered trademarks. Is this indicative of the fact that these are GM test-tube cattle? I'd only ever consider owning mini cattle if they were products of a natural cross-breeding and not genetically modified artificially. Anyone have any more info?
http://apartmentfarm.wordpress.com |
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Huckelberrywine
True Blue Farmgirl
1607 Posts
Michelle
Rosalia
1607 Posts |
Posted - Mar 23 2007 : 3:54:27 PM
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Sorry to respond so late. I saw a program where they were breeding these cattle in Cuba. Have you looked into that? I am also very curious about the idea, provided it could be accomplished naturally. What have you found out, Amanda?
We make a difference. |
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herbquilter
True Blue Farmgirl
891 Posts
Kristine
Bonney Lake
Wa
USA
891 Posts |
Posted - Mar 23 2007 : 5:08:40 PM
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Amanda & Michelle,
I heading off to the Small Farm Expo in Enumclaw tomorrow & hoping to talk with the guy from www.minicattle.com. This guy is only 12 miles from me.
We only have an acre & would love to have a dairy/meat cow.
Blessings,
Kristine ~ Mother of Many & Herbalist
www.herbalmomma.com
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kitchensqueen
True Blue Farmgirl
521 Posts
521 Posts |
Posted - Mar 23 2007 : 6:00:11 PM
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I still haven't found out a lot of info, though I have come across bits and pieces of stuff online that leads me to believe there are a few heritage breeds of naturally dwarf cattle. It's really hard to find info on. Kristine, if you speak with the Mini Cattle guy, could you find out whether the cattle he's involved with are "test-tube" cattle-- completely genetically modified, or if they are the results of a naturally bred cross-breeding please? It's just not apparent on his website.
http://apartmentfarm.wordpress.com
Now Open!: http://shadetreestudios.etsy.com |
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herbquilter
True Blue Farmgirl
891 Posts
Kristine
Bonney Lake
Wa
USA
891 Posts |
Posted - Mar 23 2007 : 8:12:14 PM
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Amanda,
I'll see what I can find out.
Blessings,
Kristine ~ Mother of Many & Herbalist
www.herbalmomma.com
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goneriding
True Blue Farmgirl
1599 Posts
Winona
Central Oregon
USA
1599 Posts |
Posted - Mar 24 2007 : 06:33:32 AM
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Do you mean like Dexter cattle or is mini-cattle an actual breed?? I have looked into the Dexters cuz of space requirements for Angus. I have also been to Dexter breeders plus my friend's dad, in England, raises them and he raves about them. You can google Dexters and there is a website plus bulletin board and local breeders. Just a thought.
Edited to add...sorry, I didn't read the link and then went back to read. I can't tell if this is a vanity registry altho Dexters are a real stand-alone breed by themselves. Still they are a good choice!!
Winona :-)
Don't sweat the small stuff...
http://goneridingagain.bravehost.com |
Edited by - goneriding on Mar 24 2007 06:36:06 AM |
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kitchensqueen
True Blue Farmgirl
521 Posts
521 Posts |
Posted - Mar 24 2007 : 08:59:33 AM
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So Dexters are actually small or dwarf naturally; no genetic interference from humans? I'm going to read up on them then. Are they dairy or beef cattle, or can they be used for both? I wonder if there are more breeds like them?
http://apartmentfarm.wordpress.com
Now Open!: http://shadetreestudios.etsy.com |
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bramble
True Blue Farmgirl
2044 Posts
2044 Posts |
Posted - Mar 24 2007 : 09:11:20 AM
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Our Robin (Thyme for Ewe) has an interesting web site where she mentions her dexter that did not have the best temperment, yet another farm girl we know loves hers. I'm pretty sure someone else on here has dexters right now...
with a happy heart |
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kitchensqueen
True Blue Farmgirl
521 Posts
521 Posts |
Posted - Mar 24 2007 : 10:16:22 AM
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With a little persistent googling, I found out some additional info:
I really like what I'm reading about Dexters. They can be used for both beef and milk and at maturity are about 4 feet tall and require a 1/2 acre per head.
Highland Cattle are a true small breed originating in Scotland. They are used for beef and have the wild shaggy fur.
Kerry Cattle are a small milk breed. They are primarily black with horns. They are endangered, so obtaining them might be difficult, but worthwhile to preserve the breed.
Randall Lineback originated as descendents from Lineback cattle in New England. They are extremely rare and are used for milk and beef.
History of each of these animals (as well as other livestock) can be found at http://albc-usa.org/cpl/wtchlist.html (the American Livestock Breeds Converancy website).
http://apartmentfarm.wordpress.com
Now Open!: http://shadetreestudios.etsy.com |
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serenity1652
True Blue Farmgirl
140 Posts
Fawn
Elkins
WV
USA
140 Posts |
Posted - Mar 24 2007 : 7:11:39 PM
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There is an article in Out Here magizine about miniature cattle. You can pick it up at your local Tractor Supply store. If you cant get one I will mail you mine. It is very informative. It tell how to make a profit, vet care. This article is all about miniature Herefords.
Fawn
"May all of your farm girl dreams come true...as mine has"
http://shallowcreekfarm.blogspot.com/ |
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Libbie
Farmgirl Connection Cultivator
3579 Posts
Anne E.
Elsinore
Utah
USA
3579 Posts |
Posted - Mar 24 2007 : 8:41:25 PM
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I have a Dexter - Bridget - and she's really great! She's very small, and has calved really well twice. I'd be happy to answer any questions about them that you have - I've only had her since last summer, but she really is a good cow.
XOXO, Libbie
"All through the long winter, I dream of my garden. On the first day of spring, I dig my fingers deep into the soft earth. I can feel its energy, and my spirits soar..." - Helen Hayes |
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herbquilter
True Blue Farmgirl
891 Posts
Kristine
Bonney Lake
Wa
USA
891 Posts |
Posted - Mar 24 2007 : 10:00:00 PM
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Amanda,
The mini cow guy wasn't there, but I'll be over that way next week & will try to stop in & see what I can find out from him.
Blessings,
Kristine ~ Mother of Many & Herbalist
www.herbalmomma.com
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kitchensqueen
True Blue Farmgirl
521 Posts
521 Posts |
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Huckelberrywine
True Blue Farmgirl
1607 Posts
Michelle
Rosalia
1607 Posts |
Posted - Mar 25 2007 : 09:06:30 AM
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Thank you so much for sharing this information. Amanda, you have done a fantastic job! I mention mini-cows at home and everyone cautions that its a bunch of work with a 2 cup return and no vitamins added. The info on the Highland cattle may just work for us, my DH has mentioned them with admiration before. Thank you so much!
We make a difference. |
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kitchensqueen
True Blue Farmgirl
521 Posts
521 Posts |
Posted - Mar 25 2007 : 12:29:54 PM
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Yes, I was surprised that small breed cattle actually produce an average of 1-2 gallons of milk per day. That's way more than a lot of people need for home use! And while the cuts are smaller, a whole steer will still provide most if not all of the beef a family can use for the year.
http://apartmentfarm.wordpress.com
Now Open!: http://shadetreestudios.etsy.com |
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LadyCrystal
True Blue Farmgirl
593 Posts
Alicia
Rhode Island
USA
593 Posts |
Posted - Mar 25 2007 : 3:41:56 PM
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Amanda,
I saw above you mentioned Randall linebacks, Do they have them in Miniture? Because my husbands cousin has them and they are far from mini. But they are a great dual purpose breed and they have great personalities.
Alicia
http://fromcitytocountrygirl.blogspot.com/
follow your dreams |
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kitchensqueen
True Blue Farmgirl
521 Posts
521 Posts |
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LadyCrystal
True Blue Farmgirl
593 Posts
Alicia
Rhode Island
USA
593 Posts |
Posted - Mar 25 2007 : 5:51:37 PM
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Yes these are what she has. I read some of the web page and this was in the discription:
"Randall cattle are medium in size with a somewhat primitive conformation, and all have horns. As a dairy breed, they have well-made and well-attached dairy-type udders, and tend toward a dairy conformation. Sound feet and legs seem to be the rule. As a landrace, however, they do exhibit quite a bit of variability, and despite having been once reduced to very low numbers, still maintain at least three types."
I would say from the ones she has they are about 1200 to 1500 pound animal. She has both Randall and Black Angus and they are about the same size. My Patsy goes to there farm and "visits" (gets bred) and she is about 1400lbs. She is about the same size as most of their Randalls.
There was an article in the Hobby farms magazine, maybe two issues ago about the Randall breed.Good luck finding the right breed for you. I will say her Randalls are great. They love to come and see what is going on when we go over there to visit. She has one lady that is the boss. She has to do everything first.It is a hoot. I was a little worried that her and Patsy wouldn't get along but Patsy showed her who was boss and then everything was fine.
Alicia
http://fromcitytocountrygirl.blogspot.com/
follow your dreams |
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Buttercup
True Blue Farmgirl
1433 Posts
Talitha
Vermont
USA
1433 Posts |
Posted - Mar 25 2007 : 9:36:04 PM
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Oooo I hate when I am busy for a few days and miss a great discussion!!!
I too am looking into minis for a dairy cow. Libbie would love to hear more about yours, do you milk her and how much do you get? And anything else you can tell me. Kristine, Cant wait to hear what you find out! I am interested in Mini Jerseys but have not made up my mind yet because I am still learning so much!And they dont have to be mini just small and well mannered, something easy for a newbie  And I am just wanting dairy since I am a vegetarian the other does not matter to me. I am so excited and can't wait to hear more!
Hugz to All!
Talitha
"If we could maintain the wonder of childhood and at the same time grasp the wisdom of age, what wonder,what wisdom,what life would be ours" |
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westernhorse51
True Blue Farmgirl
1681 Posts
michele
farmingdale
n.j.
USA
1681 Posts |
Posted - Mar 26 2007 : 05:03:37 AM
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I love the mini's. I saw miniature paint horses somewhere, they are so cute. Does anyone know if making them mini does anything "weird" to them later on? You know how we just change things to suit us.
she selects wool and flax and works with eager hands Prov.31:13 |
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Libbie
Farmgirl Connection Cultivator
3579 Posts
Anne E.
Elsinore
Utah
USA
3579 Posts |
Posted - Mar 26 2007 : 07:52:15 AM
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Good morning! Little Bridget calved all by herself, and did it like a pro. She's the only cow that I've seen calve, so I don't have anything to compare it to, but from all appearances, it seemed "normal." I haven't milked her yet - since I didn't get around to breeding her last autumn, I won't have a chance, really, until next spring, but I'll be petting her and rubbing her to get her ready for it. I'm not sure how much milk she'll give, but I know that it's quite a bit less than, say, a Jersey. She was my elderly farmgirl neighbor's, who decided that she didn't want a cow anymore. She's a registered Dexter, and I just couldn't resist... I'll tell you, however, that I just have this dream of having a Jersey. Our farm is big enough (although Aunt Jenny can do ANYTHING on her "farmette!") that I think I could have them BOTH!
XOXO, Libbie
"All through the long winter, I dream of my garden. On the first day of spring, I dig my fingers deep into the soft earth. I can feel its energy, and my spirits soar..." - Helen Hayes |
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kitchensqueen
True Blue Farmgirl
521 Posts
521 Posts |
Posted - Mar 26 2007 : 1:49:07 PM
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Michele-- there are two types of "mini" livestock. There are breeds that are genetically (all by themselves, found in nature) dwarves or smaller in size. It seems that Dexters and a few others I mentioned above fall into this category. Then there the genetically modified mini cattle (either produced by a controlled breed between two different breeds of cattle, or genetic modification in the labratory). Mini Holsteins and Jerseys fall into this category.
http://apartmentfarm.wordpress.com
Now Open!: http://shadetreestudios.etsy.com |
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Buttercup
True Blue Farmgirl
1433 Posts
Talitha
Vermont
USA
1433 Posts |
Posted - Mar 26 2007 : 8:37:34 PM
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Libbie,
Thank you so much for telling me more...she sounds like a great addition to your place! With the size of land we hope to get I could have a few dairy cows but am not sure what I would do with all the milk. I have a good sized family but am still not sure how much milk I could really put to use ( I know what the books say on how much milk per person but if I made cheese and butter and used it in many ways, then how much?)...anyone care to comment on how much milk a family of 6 can put to good use?
Amanda, I had heard that they were bred smaller and smaller but had NEVER heard about manipulation in a lab...where did you get that information? If you could let me know so I can go read up on it because everything I have read states that they are bred smaller and smaller to obtain a smaller breed. Thank you !
Hugz to All!
Talitha
"If we could maintain the wonder of childhood and at the same time grasp the wisdom of age, what wonder,what wisdom,what life would be ours" |
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kitchensqueen
True Blue Farmgirl
521 Posts
521 Posts |
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Buttercup
True Blue Farmgirl
1433 Posts
Talitha
Vermont
USA
1433 Posts |
Posted - Mar 27 2007 : 7:34:52 PM
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Ok Amanda, Thank you! The AI I knew about but the gene selection I did not ... must find out more! Thank you so much!
Hugz!
Talitha
"If we could maintain the wonder of childhood and at the same time grasp the wisdom of age, what wonder,what wisdom,what life would be ours" |
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Barnyard Buddies: Miniature Cattle |
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Miniature Cattle
