Miniature Cattle
The popularity of miniature cattle is on the rise due to their compatibility with small acreage farms. Miniature breeds were created by "breeding down" or selecting the smallest stock from established breeds like Angus and Hereford. Many miniature breeds were created in the last 2 decades by crossing Dexters with other breeds, to create color variations and breed types that fulfill a range of purposes in the miniature cattle world.
As with full size cattle, miniature breeds commonly have registries formed by networks of breeders, and these organizations maintain the pedigree records and promote the individual breed.
Miniature cattle are typically between 36-46 inches (90–120 cm) in height (cow and bulls). There are also breeds, such as Shetland, that are small but perhaps not quite miniature. There has been a recent increase in the breeding and popularity of miniature cattle due to their economic benefits. A person's choice in breeds is often based on the suitability for the climate, terrain, the purpose of the animal (pet, milk, beef, draft-work) and just personal preference based on the aesthetic qualities of the breed. Some of the older breeds represent a unique gene pool that is being lost through specialization of commercial cattle, and this also creates a market among genetic preservationists.
Read more about Miniature Cattle: Breeds
Famous quotes containing the words miniature and/or cattle:
“This is a strange little complacent country, in many ways a U.S.A. in miniature but of course nearer the center of disturbance!”
—Eleanor Roosevelt (1884–1962)
“To-night the winds begin to rise
And roar from yonder dropping day:
The last red leaf is whirl’d away,
The rooks are blown about the skies;
The forest crack’d, the waters curl’d,
The cattle huddled on the lea;”
—Alfred Tennyson (1809–1892)