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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?