Have you recently been charmed by cute photos of miniature cows? If so, you aren’t alone. These super cute bovines are becoming quite popular. A local Dahlonega, GA vet offers some tips on caring for a mini cow below.

Benefits

Mini cows may be small, but they have some big advantages. For one thing, because they are between a third and a half the size of normal cows, they eat much less than their larger buddies. This means they are cheaper to keep and easier to clean up after than regular cows. You also won’t need as much pasturage. An acre per cow is more than sufficient. And, if you get a dairy cow, you’ll likely find that Bessie keeps you supplied with milk, cheese, and butter, without producing too much extra. They’re also easier to handle, and less likely to cause injuries or property damage than big cows.

Choosing A Cow

There are several types of miniature cow breeds. You can get small versions of Highland, Holstein, Dexter, Longhorn, and Angus cows, to name just a few. There is some variation in sizes. Midsized cows can be as tall as 48 inches at the hip, while standard minis can grow up to 42 inches high. The adorable micro-minis are only 36 inches. Do some research before choosing. Keep in mind that cows get lonely with no friends! We recommend getting more than one, so they can keep each udder company.

Basic Needs

Like their larger pals, mini cows need a good shelter. If you don’t have a barn, a clean, well-ventilated three-sided shed will work. Cows also need fresh air and sunlight to stay healthy. This means offering pasturage. You’ll need to fence the area in. While mini cows themselves don’t need super sturdy fencing, it’s still a good idea to put up a solid barrier. This will help keep predators out.

Food

Grass is the number one choice of food for our bovine pals. If your land doesn’t offer suitable pasturage, you’ll need to give your hooved pals fresh hay twice a day. Grain will round out Bessie’s menu. Your cows will also need fresh, clean water at all times. You’ll also need to supplement these things with vitamin, mineral, and salt blocks. Ask your vet for specific advice.

Do you have questions about mini cows? Contact us, your Dahlonega, GA vet clinic, today!