Do I need more than one mini cow?

Cattle are herd animals that thrive best with at least one bovine friend. In some circumstances however, goats can make decent pasture buddies for your cows, but another bovine is recommended.

How big do midsize & mini cows get?

We use terms such as miniature and midsized, to refer to fully grown adult potential, when sizing cattle. The International Mini Cattle Registry published a frame score card for mini cattle, that outlines cattle sizing. See Below:

• A miniature cows average size is generally less than / between 37-43 inches, at 3 years of age

• A miniature bull could grow closer to 40-45 inches

• Anything smaller than 37 inches fully grown for cows, and 40 inches fully grown for bulls, would be considered a micro

• In comparison, Angus and Texas Longhorn Cattle (your average sized cattle), will grow to be 55-70+ inches tall at maturity

• All measurements are taken over the back, above the hip

How much space do my cows need?

Cows are raised in all sorts of ways. If you are looking for exclusively grass-fed (+hay) cattle, it will require a lot more space, than those raised in a barnyard or feedlot (grass + hay + grain fed). When determining acres per animal in a grazing style, it is best to reach out to your local USDA or college agricultural office to determine their formula for cattle grazing.

Each climate will have a different capacity for grazing. In our area (Maryland), it is recommended that you have 1 acre per adult full-size cow, and near 1/4 to 1/2 acres per mini cow. This recommendation is in combination of hay feeding in the winter months (September-May).

How much does it cost to feed a cow?

This is entirely dependent on your preferred feed style, acreage, hay feeding plan, and location. Feeding a cow often costs as little as a few hundred dollars per year - less than or equal to your average dog / cat!

What is the Chondro gene?

Chondro, or C+ / C- is an abbreviated way of referring to the recessive Chondrodysplasia gene, found in cattle. Chondrocytes, are cartilage cells that form bones. When the cow is C+, the cow will show genetics resulting in dwarf-like builds.. This genetic mutation that results in animals appearing shorter, more stocky, and have a thicker head.

Pure Highlands & HighPark crossbreeds, can be mini-midsized, with appropriate genetic matching. However, in order to be micro-mini, the C+ gene, must be present.

Frequently used terms:

• Dam: the calf’s mother

• Sire: the calf’s father

• Chondro +/-: Genetic variation, as listed above.

• Heifer: young female cow that has never been bred

• Cow: a female bovine that has had 1+ calves in the past

• Steer: castrated bull

• Bull: intact male bovine