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Alternative Livestock Production: Miniature Cattle

Alternative Livestock Production: Miniature Cattle. Adele Harty Cow/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

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Alternative Livestock Production: Miniature Cattle

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  1. Alternative Livestock Production:Miniature Cattle

    Adele Harty Cow/Calf Field Specialist Rapid City Regional Center
  2. Introduction Miniature cattle vs. Conventional cattle production on small acreages What is miniature? Requirements Benefits Challenges Miniature breed options Getting started
  3. 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)
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. Miniature vs. Conventional Challenges Breeders market Sourcing animals Expensive Handling facilities/infrastructure
  8. 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/
  9. http://pjranchminicattle.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/8.jpg http://pjranchminicattle.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/8.jpg
  10. 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
  11. 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/
  12. http://www.darngoodfarm.com/photos/lowline/cows-az_feb08.jpg
  13. 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/
  14. 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
  15. http://www.highpinesdexters.com/breeding_philosophy.html
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. Questions?
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