How to Raise Miniature Cows

Choose the breed of miniature cows you wish to raise depending on your reasons for raising them. For example, if you want the cows to have your own milk supply to sell or make yogurt, butter or cheese for your family's use, select a breed that produces a good quantity of milk. If you plan to sell the cows to a beef manufacturer, select Friesian bulls or Angus heifers that grow to a large weight.

Get information from the cattle breeder about the requirements of the breed you buy. Ask questions about the food, housing and medical care you need to provide.

Provide a pasture area for the cows to roam and graze. Surround this area with a secure fence and gate.

Supplement the cows' food with alfalfa or hay. Determine the quantity of this supplement depending on the pasture area. The smaller the grazing area, the greater the amount of supplement the cows need.

Provide a barn to keep the cows dry and warm during the wet and cold months. If you don't have enough space for a barn, select a dry and sheltered area of the farm and spread straw all over it for warmth. Place stacks of straw to provide protection from strong winds.

Breed the heifers when they are about a year and a half. If you intend to sell the milk, permanently separate the cow from its calf. If not, allow the calf to feed on the cow's milk for the first few weeks.