Mini cows

[mtnbluet881]

Just saw a feature about mini cows on the TV news:

I also found an article on them in the New York times:

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationwo...,7037757.story

Does anyone have them? What are the pros? Are there any cons involved?

They sure look workable and their temperament seems OK too!

Thanks,
Cathy

[Cliff]

So Gradwohl's finally getting people to buy his 10,000 dollar cows after all these years, huh. He's been working on it for at least 10 if I remember right. And Tim Odonnel is always right in there whenever Gradwohl is mentioned. He's the one who has been vocal about Belfairs, and sells those and mini Jerseys for big bucks.
I don't know any real details about the cows, only that these guys have been considered by many to be scammers for years. Maybe since more people are getting involved the cows will be more reasonably priced.

[TheMartianChick]

In the past, a lot of the minis were really expensive because there was so little breeding stock in the US. I think that if I were to get a cow, I would go with a mini. I've never been that comfortable around cows because of their size, but I could handle a mini. Besides, I don't know what I would do with all of the milk from a full-sized cow. My kids are in college and there are just two of us.

[foxtrapper]

Boutique cows with a boutique price.

There is a real history with some of the breeds, like the Dexter and such. But even those are boutique priced in the US.

If it weren't for the price, they could make a lot of sense for homesteaders.

[MARYDVM]

There are reasonably priced minis out there - just don't go to the fancy websites. Or maybe contact the folks who got sucked in by the fancy marketing - after reality sets in, and they realize they won't be able to sell their calves for those prices.

I purchased my mini - a Dexter X mini Jersey - as a bred heifer for $1000. She's raised two heifer calves since then while giving me plenty of milk. She's a great little cow.

There were Dexters and Zebu listed recently on my local Craigslist for $800. It just takes some looking to find them.

[Jay]

Grandwhol is a marketer, that is his true profession. Hired hands do the 'work'.
Look at any cattle book published 1950's or before--all the Herefords looked similar to these cattle. Shorter legs, it was the standard back then. Many of the other breeds were smaller, too. We have bred them "up" to be bigger, and have more meat, etc on them.

I have a mini Jersey...and yes, she has papers. But I got her for a steal years ago for the mere sum of $750--all tests/paperwork/history AND confirmed bred (to a mini even) included in that price. It took months and months of searching, before she came along. Honestly, I would of paid more....
I just got lucky the gal I got her from was downsizing at the time, and this was her "old" cow....she had just turned 9 when I bought her. Yes, she is still alive and kicking....still milking, and bred again for a spring calf. She'll be 15 when she calves next.

[mtnbluet881]

Thanks everyone!

Now I know that it is the price and so will spend time looking for reasonably priced sources!

Thanks again!

[ChristyACB]

I wouldn't get a full sized cow either. I really like the mini's and they really are just right sized. The ones I was around were also really tame and friendly, just an overall great disposition. The babies were so cute and playful.

And for me, the fact that I can handle them, pasture them on a much MUCH smaller area, get just a bit too much milk rather than gobs extra and get a x that will work for our limited meat needs (boy babies should beware ) makes them perfect for me. I'd pay extra for all that convenience.

[SteveD(TX)]

Heard recently that there are cows the size of schnauzers, but they're cattle.

[ronbre]

i saw an article on the news as well..thought they looked like nice peaceful good cows..if i had a cow..i wouldn't mind having one of those..i think a fullsize cow would be too much for us anyway

[tailwagging]

I love my mini-zebu.

[Menglish]

I have 7 head of Dexter cattle. While not a true "mini" they are a small cow. They have a great disposition and make sense for what we want them for. Good luck.

Mike

[jersey girl]

We have mini jerseys and love them. Ours are not as tiny as those herefords, except for one. We like ours a little bigger so you can get a milk bucket under them and still milk that great jersey milk.
Joanie

[Narshalla]

My dh does not like goat's milk, so one of those (or two!) would be great for us, but not at the prices I've been able to find online.

[CountryWannabe]

I have a Dexter cow. She is bred for a Sept. calf, and I intend to milk her. I would not want a full size cow - I am not young, not strong and not agile. My little cow is perfect for me. She is small, gentle, and just right for this small homestead

Forgot to add - she was $1000, registered, already bred, up to date on testing and vaccinations.

Mary

[free-2-b-me]

Just out of curiosity I did a search and found this web site . This place is about 15 minutes from where we are . We might have to take a ride !!!!
http://www.southsidestables.com/index.htm