1. Alternative Livestock Production: Miniature Cattle Adele Harty Cow/Calf Field Specialist Rapid City Regional Center

2. Introduction Miniature cattle vs. Conventional cattle production on small acreages – What is miniature? – Requirements – Benefits – Challenges Miniature breed options Getting started

3. Miniature vs. Conventional What is miniature? – Weight for bulls-900-1500 lbs (1800-2200 lbs for standard Angus) – Height for bulls-40-48 inches at shoulder (59 inches for standard Angus) – Weight for cows-650-1100 lbs (1250-1600 for standard Angus) – Height for cows-36-46 inches at shoulder (56 inches for standard Angus)

4. Miniature vs. Conventional Requirements – Basic necessities are the same, slightly different scale Fencing Water – May need to use a sheep tank Feed Medical/Veterinary Miscellaneous Supplies

5. Miniature vs. Conventional Benefits – Less acres per animal – Smaller size means less feed – Increased numbers of livestock – Less environmental impact – Increased efficiency = less time to finish

6. Miniature vs. Conventional Benefits – Larger ribeye area as a % of BW – Meat portions are smaller – Entire animal will fit in freezer 450 lbs vs 900 lbs More marketing alternatives

7. Miniature vs. Conventional Challenges – Breeders market Sourcing animals Expensive – Handling facilities/infrastructure

8. Miniature Cattle Breeds Miniature Herefords – Full blood Herefords – Extremely docile – Less feed – Less impact on the environment – Shorter muscle length = more tender meat http://www.mhbaonline.org/

9. http://pjranchminicattle.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/8.jpg

10. Miniature Breeds Lowline Angus – Developed in New South Wales, Australia from a drawf free 100% Angus herd – Not considered miniature, just small frame Average cow size-650-950 lbs, 36-42” at shoulder – Lower maintenance costs

11. Miniature Cattle Breeds Lowline Angus – Easy calving – Very feed efficient – Excellent taste, texture and tenderness and exceptional ribeye area per 100 lbs of body weight = high yielding, high quality, high value beef carcasses http://www.usa-lowline.org/

12. http://www.darngoodfarm.com/photos/lowline/cows-az_feb08.jpg

13. Miniature Cattle Breeds Dexter – Originated in Ireland – Likely came to US between 1905 and 1915 – Thrive in hot and cold climates – Can be black, red or dun http://www.dextercattle.org/index.htm http://www.highpinesdexters.com/

14. Miniature Cattle Breeds Dexter – Known for fertility and calving ease – Dual purpose breed (meat and milk) Occasionally draft animals – Beef animals mature in 18-24 months – Can produce 1-3 gallons/day of milk with 4- 5% butterfat – Chondrodysplasia gene and PHA

15. http://www.highpinesdexters.com/breeding_philosophy.html

16. Getting Started Financing is available – Local Ag Lender – Contact local Farm Service Agency Must be used for meat production in order for them to consider financing Local lender must turn you down Challenge – Weights – Average Daily Gain – How much product – Price

17. Getting Started Put together a Business Plan – SDSU Extension can help – Consider partners Evaluate various marketing options – Marketing weaned calves – Selling registered breeding stock – Direct sale of finished animals – Direct sale of beef

18. QUESTIONS?