Montgomery Miniature Herefords
About Miniature Herefords
Miniature Herefords are full blooded Herefords and are registered through the American Hereford Association. Like other Herefords, they are primarily used as a beef animal. These cattle are a result of a specific breeding program spanning more than ~50 years. Miniature Herefords are about 2/3 to ½ the size of traditional Herefords.
The ideal conformation and breeding characteristics of a miniature Hereford are the same as traditional Herefords. One judges the quality of these cattle in a similar manner – good bone structure, depth, functionality, soundness and indication of high carcass quality. The primary difference being height – an adult Miniature Hereford Cow can not be taller than 45” at the hip, while a Bull can not be taller than 48” at the hip.
Why Miniature Herefords?
Miniature Herefords are the ideal animal for smaller
ranches/acreage, young children or people that love cattle for one
reason or another yet do not have the time, space or patience for the
requirements of running large cattle. Mini Herefords do not
require vast fences, pens or chutes and are easily kept within most
types of fencing. They may be considered pets, enjoyed as a
hobby, treated as a secondary source of income, employed as a full time
business or simply used for the benefits of an agricultural exemption.
Miniature Herefords are naturally docile, can be easy to handle and
make excellent show animals for any level of competition. Two
or three may be kept in place of one standard size cow. A
miniature cow will wean a calf weighing a higher percentage of her
mature weight, thus making them much more economical and
efficient. As a result of their smaller statue, miniature
Herefords require approximately half the amount of grain and hay as
their larger counterparts and overall, result in an animal that is more
efficient to maintain.
Miniature Herefords now exhibit an improved cow/calf weaning ratio,
greater rib eye are per hundred weight, a higher dressing percentage
and increased tenderness due to shorter muscle cell structure, genetics
and early maturity. These traits are outstanding
when compared to the modern beef animal.