Characteristics and Benefits
The Miniature Hereford is a very small, "typey" Hereford, just the opposite of the tall, long legged, show-type bovine of today. They are thick, deep-bodied, short-legged, muscular, and chunky in appearance. The Minis are early to mature, very fertile, excellent feed converters, easy keepers, and very gentle in nature. Because of the strong genetic base that has been firmly established over the past several decades, the offspring of a mating is very predictable as to type and conformation. Extremely hardy, they adapt well to any environment in North America—the extreme cold of Canada, the high humidity of the East, the moist heat of the Southeast, and the dry deserts of the Southwest. They are currently thriving in most states, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and a few other countries.
These characteristics of the Miniature Herefords translate into powerful benefits. Because they are such efficient feed converters, 2 or 3 of the Minis may be kept in place of one standard bovine. Because they mature faster, the Minis have an improved cow/calf weaning ratio, and herds can grow faster. This early maturity also contributes to greater tenderness of the beef. The larger rib-eye area per hundred weight, a better dressing percentage, and less waste all contribute to a superior quality of meat. Their adaptability to climactic conditions makes the Miniature Herefords easier to keep as well as giving them a broader marketability, and their sweet temperament reduces hassle in the life of the busy breeder. All of these benefits, in one way or another, have the potential to widen and deepen the revenue stream.
Description:
- Size:
- Miniature Herefords range from 38" to 48" at the hip
Classifications:
- Miniature - Frame 0 (43" and smaller)
- Classic Miniature - Frame 1 (44") and Frame 2 (48")
The smaller size makes them easy to handle. A mature three-year-old cow can weigh between 500 and 1,000 pounds depending on flesh condition. Compare this to the standard mature cow which is 50" to 60" tall (instead of 38" to 48") and weighs 1,200 to 2,000 pounds.
- 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 are determined to be
free of dwarfism. This is very important and beneficial to insure the
purity of bloodlines and predictability of offspring.
- Care:
- The bovine is one of the easiest of all animals to take care of. A small
bovine makes it even easier. As long as they have plenty of grass, water,
and salt available, most of their needs are met. Of course, environmental
conditions such as temperature, rainfall, terrain, etc. vary greatly, but the
Miniature Herefords are very hardy animals and do well in most areas.
Keeping them current on vaccinations and worming is also important. If
a veterinarian is necessary, any large animal vet can treat them. To order supplies and vaccines, you might find
American Livestock Supply Catalog and
Animal Health Express helpful.
- Nutrition:
- No special feed is necessary for the Minis. Nutritional needs can vary
from one area to the next, but good pasture or quality grass hay, a
salt/trace mineral supplement, and clean water are for the most part all
that is required. The Minis are very efficient feed converters and,
depending on pasture, you can run 2 to 3 head to one standard-size
animal.
- Reproduction:
- Heifers are bred to calve at 2 to 3 years of age. Bulls are ready to go to work by I1/2years old.
We have found the Minis to have very little difficulty calving. Calf birth weights average 45
to 60 lbs. The 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. Just a quality fence
and shelter are adequate. A squeeze chute is also helpful. A variety of useful equipment can be found at The Cattle Pages.
- Disposition:
- Herefords have always been known for their docile temperament, and the miniatures are no exception. In fact, their smaller size makes them even easier to work with.