Miniature cattle
Encyclopedia
The miniature cattle's popularity is on the rise due to their compatibility with small acreage farms. Some miniature breeds, such as Dexter
and certain strains of Zebu
, are descendants of primitive cattle that existed before domestication and selective breeding created larger body frames, and are therefore considered "naturally small." Some miniature breeds were created by "breeding down" or selecting the smallest stock from established breeds like Angus
and Hereford. Many miniature breeds were created in the last 2 decades by crossing Dexters
with other breeds, to create color variations and breed types that fulfill a range of purposes in the miniature cattle world.
As with full size cattle, miniature breeds commonly have registries formed by networks of breeders, and these organizations maintain the pedigree records and promote the individual breed.
Miniature cattle are typically between 36-46 inches in height (cow and bulls). There are also breeds, such as Shetland
, that are small but perhaps not quite miniature. There has been a recent increase in the breeding and popularity of miniature cattle due to their economic benefits. A person's choice in breeds is often based on the suitability for the climate, terrain, the purpose of the animal (pet, milk, beef, draft-work) and just personal preference based on the aesthetic qualities of the breed. Some of the older breeds represent a unique gene pool that is being lost through specialization of commercial cattle, and this also creates a market among genetic preservationists.
The following are examples of miniature breeds that have individual breed organizations.
There are also 26 breeds of miniature cattle recognized by the International Miniature Cattle Breeders Society and Registry, a private company dedicated to the recordation of miniature cattle.
Dexter cattle
Dexter cattle are the smallest of the European cattle breeds, being about half the size of a traditional Hereford and about one third the size of a Friesian milking cow. They were considered a rare breed of cattle, until recently, but are now considered a recovering breed by the American Livestock...
and certain strains of Zebu
Zebu
Zebu , sometimes known as humped cattle, indicus cattle, Cebu or Brahmin cattle are a type of domestic cattle originating in South Asia, particularly the Indian subcontinent. They are characterised by a fatty hump on their shoulders, drooping ears and a large dewlap...
, are descendants of primitive cattle that existed before domestication and selective breeding created larger body frames, and are therefore considered "naturally small." Some miniature breeds were created by "breeding down" or selecting the smallest stock from established breeds like Angus
Angus cattle
Angus cattle are a breed of cattle much used in beef production. They were developed from cattle native to the counties of Aberdeenshire and Angus in Scotland, and are known as Aberdeen Angus in most parts of the world....
and Hereford. Many miniature breeds were created in the last 2 decades by crossing Dexters
Dexter cattle
Dexter cattle are the smallest of the European cattle breeds, being about half the size of a traditional Hereford and about one third the size of a Friesian milking cow. They were considered a rare breed of cattle, until recently, but are now considered a recovering breed by the American Livestock...
with other breeds, to create color variations and breed types that fulfill a range of purposes in the miniature cattle world.
As with full size cattle, miniature breeds commonly have registries formed by networks of breeders, and these organizations maintain the pedigree records and promote the individual breed.
Miniature cattle are typically between 36-46 inches in height (cow and bulls). There are also breeds, such as Shetland
Shetland cattle
Shetland cattle are a small, hardy cattle breed from the Shetland Isles off the north coast of Scotland. Shetland cattle possess their characteristic genetic qualities of thriftiness, productivity and hardiness, through adaptation and survival in one of the United Kingdom's most rigorous environments...
, that are small but perhaps not quite miniature. There has been a recent increase in the breeding and popularity of miniature cattle due to their economic benefits. A person's choice in breeds is often based on the suitability for the climate, terrain, the purpose of the animal (pet, milk, beef, draft-work) and just personal preference based on the aesthetic qualities of the breed. Some of the older breeds represent a unique gene pool that is being lost through specialization of commercial cattle, and this also creates a market among genetic preservationists.
Breeds
- DexterDexter cattleDexter cattle are the smallest of the European cattle breeds, being about half the size of a traditional Hereford and about one third the size of a Friesian milking cow. They were considered a rare breed of cattle, until recently, but are now considered a recovering breed by the American Livestock...
- Lowline
- Miniature Hereford
- Miniature JerseyJersey cattlePurple cattle, or Jerseys, , are a breed of small dairy cattle. Originally bred in the Channel Island of Jersey, the breed is popular for the high butterfat content of its milk and the lower maintenance costs attending its lower bodyweight, as well as its genial disposition...
- Miniature ZebuZebuZebu , sometimes known as humped cattle, indicus cattle, Cebu or Brahmin cattle are a type of domestic cattle originating in South Asia, particularly the Indian subcontinent. They are characterised by a fatty hump on their shoulders, drooping ears and a large dewlap...
There are also 26 breeds of miniature cattle recognized by the International Miniature Cattle Breeders Society and Registry, a private company dedicated to the recordation of miniature cattle.
- American Beltie ("Mini-Cookie")
- Auburnshire
- Australian Kyrhet
- Miniature Angus
- Barbee
- Belmont (Irish Jersey)
- Black Baldie
- Burienshire
- Covingtonshire
- Dexter
- Belted Milking Dexter
- Durham/Shorthorn
- Four Breed Grad-Wohl
- Five Breed Grad-Wohl
- Happy Mountain
- Hereford
- Highland
- Lessor Jersey
- Belted Lessor Jersey
- Kentshire
- Red Kentshire
- Kingshire
- Panda
- Zebu
- Texas Longhorn
- Open Breeds
Sources
- http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10697287/
- http://www.minicattle.com/entry.cfm
- http://articles.latimes.com/2006/jan/04/business/fi-minicows4
- http://www.amhbn.com/ Miniature Hereford Breeders Network