Pros and Cons of Miniature livestock

R Scott, that is a good point. Dogs do add to the cost of keeping sheep. I would keep dogs were I live anyways. They are extremely effective at keep away the two legged vermin also. If I did not want to pay for dog food, I would stick to donkeys and a llama.

R Scott wrote:How do they do against coyotes and dogs?

If you're asking about minis - my belties do just fine. 750 lbs is still to big for a canine to mess with. We have had a few sheep losses, even with LGDs.

Joseph Fields wrote: If I did not want to pay for dog food, I would stick to donkeys and a llama.

That's OK if you don't need protection from non-canines. Cats or bears would be trouble.

Cj Verde wrote:

Joseph Fields wrote: If I did not want to pay for dog food, I would stick to donkeys and a llama.

That's OK if you don't need protection from non-canines. Cats or bears would be trouble.

I am not trying to be a debbie downer on mini cows. They are just too high to be financially viable for ME.
Bears I have, but have never seen. People that see Cats around these parts around are treated like crazy people. If I saw a cat around my place, I face less ridicule if I told people I saw bigfoot.

Keep your eyes open for smaller sized animals and start from there. Or get a smallish cow and do AI from a mini bull to start.

There are pros and cons to minis and I had forgotten all about the expense part. I did buy an expensive breeder set and an inexpensive smallish cow. I thought I would breed them to sell but I just don't think I'm good enough at handling them to do that.

I do on farm slaughter and then have someone else do the butchering. I always know it's my beef. Only a mini would give a 3 lb brisket or a 1 lb flank steak.

Anybody know of where you might find miniature black angus or longhorns in the southeast?

Hi Lawson,

Welcome to Permies.

Lawson Smith wrote:Anybody know of where you might find miniature black angus or longhorns in the southeast?

There are a few “Lowline Angus” groups on Facebook. They may be in your area.