What Is A Miniature Hereford?
History: It all started almost 250 years ago when a dedicated family set out to develop a beef animal. Another dedicated family started the early dominance of Herefords in America when they imported "Anxiety 4th" from England in 1882. The present day Miniature Herefords are descendants of these early Hereford cattle. From the turn of the century to the mid 1960's, by coming down in size and improving quality, generations of Hereford breeders developed an extremely efficient beef animal. At one time, 70% of all registered cattle in America were Herefords. The Miniature Herefords of today are registered with the American Hereford Association or Hereford Societies in various countries.
Characteristics: The Miniature Hereford is small, thick, deep bodied, short legged and muscular. They are early maturing, fertile, efficient feed converters, easy keepers and gentle in nature. The offspring of a mating is predictable as to type and conformation due to a strong genetic base that has been firmly established. Miniature Herefords are hardy and adaptable to various environments including the extreme cold of Canada, the high humidity of the East, the heat of the South and the dry deserts of the Southwest. They are now found in more than 40 states, Canada, Denmark and Australia.
Purpose: The original purpose of breeders was to develop a small and efficient beef animal. That goal has been accomplished by improving the cow/calf weaning ratio, the rib eye hundred weight, the dressing percentage and the tenderness due to genetics and early maturity. Miniature Herefords are ideal for people with limited acreage. They may be used to gain agricultural exemption status, a full-time business, a secondary source of income, group investment ventures or even tax shelters. The smaller cattle are easy to handle and make excellent show animals for 4-H, FFA or national shows.
Why Own A Miniature Hereford?
Investment Potential: There are less than two thousand true Miniature Herefords in the world. The potential for the long-term breeders market is unlimited with premium prices being received for the good quality animals.
Registered Pedigree: All true Miniature Herefords in the United States are registered with the American Hereford Association. American Hereford Association pedigrees can be traced back for over 100 years.
Size: The smaller size makes them easy to handle. A mature three-year-old cow can be 38-45 inches tall and weigh 500-1000 pounds depending on flesh condition. Compare this to the standard mature cow which is 50-60 inches tall and weighs 1000-2000 pounds.
Popularity: Interest continues to increase by leaps and bounds, not only nationally, but internationally.
Easy Keeping and Efficient: The little brood cow of 700 pounds seems to maintain body condition on about 1/2 of the nutritional intake of a 1400 pound counterpart. They can raise a calf weighing 65% or more of their body weight compared to the average of 35% to 40% of a standard cow.
Disposition: When handled properly, they become gentle.
Care: The cow is one of the easiest of all animals to take care of; a smaller version makes it even easier.
Nutrition: Typical bovine feed, pasture, corn stalks, hay, grain or whatever is in your area will maintain a Miniature Hereford, no special feed or medication is necessary.
Appeal to Children: Children of all ages love the cute, baby calves and enjoy them.
Environmentally Correct: The environment can be improved with the use of many of our different species of ruminant animals when properly managed. The smaller animals are more environmentally friendly, easier on frail terrain and easier on the owner.
Health Requirements: Any veterinarian, experienced rancher or farmer should be able to diagnose the maladies common to the bovines in your area. The health concerns of Miniature Hereford cattle are no different than those of their standard size counterparts. If you have no experience with cattle, please call your local veterinarian for assistance with the health cares of your cattle.
How Do I Start My Own Herd?
You need a little ACREAGE: The area of grass needed to support a Miniature Hereford varies greatly depending on location. On some irrigated pasture or high rainfall areas, 2 or 3 Miniature Herefords may be maintained on one acre of land. In some non-irrigated areas of the desert Southwest, it may take 20 or more acres per cow.
You need a little FENCING: Any fence that will hold a sheep or goat should be sufficient, even a three strand barbed wire fence properly constructed will do in some cases. Fences for miniatures do not need to be as tall as fences for standard cattle.
You need a little KNOWLEDGE: The bovine is one of the easiest to care for of all animals. Miniature Herefords require no more care or knowledge than standard cattle.
You need a little PURCHASE: It only takes one bull and one heifer to start your herd.