Alternative Livestock Production:Miniature Cattle

Adele HartyCow/Calf Field Specialist

Rapid City Regional Center

Introduction• Miniature cattle vs. Conventional cattle

production on small acreages– What is miniature?– Requirements– Benefits– Challenges

• Miniature breed options• Getting started

Miniature vs. Conventional• What is miniature?– Weight for bulls-900-1500 lbs• (1800-2200 lbs for standard Angus)

– Height for bulls-40-48 inches at shoulder• (59 inches for standard Angus)

– Weight for cows-650-1100 lbs • (1250-1600 for standard Angus)

– Height for cows-36-46 inches at shoulder• (56 inches for standard Angus)

Miniature vs. Conventional• Requirements– Basic necessities are the same, slightly

different scale• Fencing• Water

– May need to use a sheep tank

• Feed • Medical/Veterinary• Miscellaneous Supplies

Miniature vs. Conventional• Benefits– Less acres per animal– Smaller size means less feed – Increased numbers of livestock– Less environmental impact– Increased efficiency = less time to finish

Miniature vs. Conventional• Benefits– Larger ribeye area as a % of BW– Meat portions are smaller– Entire animal will fit in freezer• 450 lbs vs 900 lbs• More marketing alternatives

Miniature vs. Conventional• Challenges– Breeders market• Sourcing animals• Expensive

– Handling facilities/infrastructure

Miniature Cattle Breeds• Miniature Herefords– Full blood Herefords– Extremely docile– Less feed– Less impact on the environment– Shorter muscle length = more tender meat

• http://www.mhbaonline.org/

http://pjranchminicattle.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/8.jpg

Miniature Breeds• Lowline Angus– Developed in New South Wales, Australia

from a drawf free 100% Angus herd– Not considered miniature, just small frame • Average cow size-650-950 lbs, 36-42” at

shoulder

– Lower maintenance costs

Miniature Cattle Breeds• Lowline Angus– Easy calving– Very feed efficient– Excellent taste, texture and tenderness and

exceptional ribeye area per 100 lbs of body weight = high yielding, high quality, high value beef carcasses

• http://www.usa-lowline.org/

http://www.darngoodfarm.com/photos/lowline/cows-az_feb08.jpg

Miniature Cattle Breeds• Dexter– Originated in Ireland– Likely came to US between 1905 and 1915– Thrive in hot and cold climates– Can be black, red or dun

• http://www.dextercattle.org/index.htm• http://www.highpinesdexters.com/

Miniature Cattle Breeds• Dexter– Known for fertility and calving ease– Dual purpose breed (meat and milk)• Occasionally draft animals

– Beef animals mature in 18-24 months– Can produce 1-3 gallons/day of milk with 4-

5% butterfat– Chondrodysplasia gene and PHA

http://www.highpinesdexters.com/breeding_philosophy.html

Getting Started• Financing is available– Local Ag Lender– Contact local Farm Service Agency

• Must be used for meat production in order for them to consider financing

• Local lender must turn you down• Challenge

– Weights– Average Daily Gain– How much product– Price

Getting Started• Put together a Business Plan– SDSU Extension can help– Consider partners

• Evaluate various marketing options– Marketing weaned calves– Selling registered breeding stock– Direct sale of finished animals– Direct sale of beef

QUESTIONS?