Why Minis

 

● Early maturing, excellent feed converters, easy keepers, and very gentle in nature

● Great for small properties, since 2 to 3 animals may be kept instead of one standard size animal

● Excellent show animals or 4-H or FFA projects

● Better than standard animals in cow/calf weaning ratio, rib eye area per 100# weight, and dressing percentage

● Agricultural tax exemptions

● Hardy and adaptable to many climates

● Ideal for retired folks who may want cattle as a hobby, pet, secondary income or full-time business

 

Size:

 

● Frame 0 or less (45” and smaller)

● Smaller size makes them easy to handle

● Mature three-year-cow can weigh between 500 and 1,000 pounds

● These small animals are what many old-timers raised 40 years ago

 

Registry:

 

● The American Hereford Association is the official registry for Miniature Herefords

● A certificate of registration from the American Hereford Association is required

● True Miniature Herefords registered through the AHA have pedigrees going back over 100 years and determined to be free of dwarfism

 

Care:

 

● Cattle are one of the easiest animals to care for. Smaller cattle make it even easier.

● Plenty of grass, water, and salt available meets most of their needs

● Miniature Herefords are a very hearty animal and do well in most areas.

● Keeping vaccinations current and worming are important

 

Nutrition:

 

● No special feed is necessary for minis.

● Nutritional needs may very based on location but good pasture or quality hay, a salt/trace mineral supplement, and clean water is all that is required

 

Reproduction:

 

● Heifers are bred to calve to at 2 to 3 years of age

● Bulls are ready to go to work by 1-1 ½ years old

● Miniatures have very little difficulty calving

● Cows are good mothers with plenty of milk

● Both cows and bulls are fertile and breed back in a timely manner

 

Equipment:

 

● Heavy-duty fencing and equipment aren’t necessary, a quality fence and shelter are adequate
● A squeeze chute is also useful

 

Disposition:

 

● Herefords have always been known for their docile temperament and the miniatures are no exception

● Their smaller size makes them even easier to handle