some advice please

brierpatch1974 · #1 06/01/06, 03:37 PM

I am looking to start a small herd of miniature cows. I guess I should state my uses before I ask what breeds to get. I would like to have at least one milker <have milk goats now too> and I would like to raise my own beef for the rest. What breed would be best for me to get? or maybe cross breeding a bull to a certain breed of cow would be fine too.
I really like the miniature long horns but don't think they would be good for milking plus they are way to expensive for me.<at least the ones for sale around here are> I would like to have at least one bull and four or five cows. I have 15 acres fenced in so not sure if thats enough for that number of miniature cows so let me know.

BP

Up North · #2 06/02/06, 12:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brierpatch1974

I have 15 acres fenced in so not sure if thats enough for that number of miniature cows so let me know.

BP

Respectfully, without giving a general region of U.S. you live in and/ or average annual rainfall, noone can answer that correctly. For Example, where we are in Wisconsin, it takes 4 acres to support one Holstien cow, while in some areas 1 acre can support 2 Holstien cows.

brierpatch1974 · #3 06/02/06, 06:01 AM

hehe sorry I forgot that info. I live in Southern part of West Virginia. I have read that you need 5 acres for 2 head of large cattle so was thinking I could maybe keep 3 minis per 5 acres. The 15 acres I have is all grass with a small spring running through it year round.
Maybe I should keep one bull and 2 cows sense I will need some room for the calves before they are butchered. Not sure what I should do. I do have 7 more acres next to this area that is wooded But I havent decided weather or not to clear this land yet.

BP