Miniature Cattle

3 posts
Tue, 10/14/2014 - 20:18 #1

Member for

10 years 7 months
philnikki
Last seen: 03/08/2018 - 21:05
Joined: 04/28/2014 - 10:48

Miniature Cattle

Hi,

Have finally bought our farm in South east Queensland,looking at putting some minature breeds of cattle on to be self sustaining as well as selling of the ones we dont need.

Has anyone had any experience with small breeds and what do you suggest oor think we will beon 35acres.

Thinking of getting to cows withhopefully calves on foot and pregnant as well to start of, and a bull later on?

 

Any advice welcome.

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Sun, 10/26/2014 - 17:51 #2
barb
Last seen: 09/17/2019 - 18:07
Joined: 11/23/2011 - 09:38

Hi Phil and Nikki,

I have had some experience with small breeds of cattle- Dexter. Basically, They are easy to keep but no more so than regular cattle such as Murray Grey or Angus (naturally polled and very quiet) breeds. You will need a crush and small yard for carrying out such operations as tagging and so on and an adequate supply of water and good fencing.

Just because they are smaller than regular size cattle, doesn't mean they aren't strong. You will need at least four strands of Barbed wire on your exterior fences. As to how many can be run on your block, that will depend on where you are, the rainfall and available feed. All of the forgoing will influence how many can be run on your block. Personally, to be on the safe side, I wouldn't run more than ten pregnant of lactating animals on 35 acres.

Small breeds of cattle may be harder to find buyers for because they are mainly run on small holdings by hobby farmers and the market is often not great for them. The big cattle saleyeards will not usually take them, so you will need to find private buyers for the offspring through the net. or in the newspapers.

Hope some of this info is useful to you.

Cheers and enjoy the good life on the land,

Barb  

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Sun, 10/26/2014 - 18:10 #3
charlie
Last seen: 12/26/2018 - 09:21
Joined: 05/31/2011 - 09:44

Hi Phill and Nikki,

Welcome to Farmstyle and the forum.

Congratulations on the new purchase, I hope the season is being kinder to you that what we currently experiencing in central NSW. It is extremely hot and dry here at the moment.

For some further detailed information on small cattle breeds you may be interested in the book Small Cattle for Small Farms. It is a very popular seller and covers all the basics to help you set up your small farm, including: types of cattle available, how to select your stock and care for them, stocking rates, fencing needs, vaccination requirements, methods of identification, and government requirements for land and stockowners. http://farmstyle.com.au/book/small-cattle-small-farms

The book has been written by a lady by the name of Margo Hayes who owns and runs Vitulus Stud. The stud sells Lowline cattle which are a pure Australian breed of cattle that were developed at the Government’s Trangie Research Centre in Central NSW. Trangie acquired its Angus herd during a 45 year period. The herd then remained closed for the next 30 years and it is from within this herd that the Lowlines were derived providing some of the purest Angus genetics you will find. Vitulus stud would be a good place to purchase your initial gentics from. I would start with heifers or cows in calf to save on having to purchase a bull straight away.

Look forward to hearing how your journey progresses.

Regards,

Charlie

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