The Hereford breed was founded some two and one-half centuries ago as a product of necessity.Farmers near Hereford in the County of Herefordshire, England set out to produce beef for the expanding food market created by Britain’s industrial revolution.Cattlemen realized they must have cattle which could efficiently convert their native grass to beef and do it at a profit.Breeders developed their cattle focusing on a high yield of beef and efficiency of production. Miniature Herefords were further developed during the 1970s at the Point of Rocks Ranch in Fort Davis, Texas. By utilizing certified dwarf-free, old-fashioned Hereford genetics, owners developed a smaller version of today's Hereford. All pedigreed Miniature Herefords originated from this stock. Certified Miniature Herefords are registered through the American Hereford Association.
Attributes
The Miniature Hereford exemplifies the original desired Hereford characteristics by capitalizing on its smaller size.The conformation of a Miniature Hereford is small (38-45 inches compared to 50-60 inches for a standard cow) thick, deep bodied, short legged and muscular.They are early maturing, fertile and efficient feed converters.The brood cow of 700 pounds can maintain body condition on 40 % the nutritional intake of a 1400 pound counterpart.The miniature cow will wean a calf weighing a higher percentage of her mature weight ( 65% or more of their body weight compared to the average of 35% to 40% of a standard cow) thus making them more economical.
Reasons why we raise Miniature Herefords:
They inherit the docile nature of the full sized Herefords and because of their smaller size and good temperament, they are easy to work with.They are gentle on fences, corrals, equipment and people.
They convert feed to body weight more effectively than conventional sized cattle.You can graze 2 to 3 head to one standard-size animal. thus producing up to 40% more beef per year on the same pasture.
Not only do they produce more beef per acre (dress weights are 65% of live body weight compared to 45 % for conventional cattle) but more desired cuts.The average rib eye for conventional cattle is one square inch per 100 wt. (live) while a miniature will run 1.5 inches per 100 wt. (live).Profit = more preferred meat + less cost (feed conversion, less damage on pastures resulting in more available food, lower equipment cost)
They are fast maturing and have excellent birth to weight gains.
Their lighter weight means they are easier on pastures, grasslands, pond banks, etc.
They calve with ease and have good maternal instincts.