Miniature Cow Prices 2024: Purchase Cost, Food Budget, and More!

Have miniature cows hopped onto your social media feed and into your heart?

Read this article to discover the food, budget, and miniature cow prices.

What Is a Mini Cow?

As the name insists, a mini cow is a cow that is smaller than a regular cow. They can grow to be anywhere from 36 to 48 inches tall and weigh around 500 to 800 lbs fully grown. It is important to remember that buying a mini cow does not always guarantee they will not grow into a full-sized cow. Consequently, this can make it difficult to shop or adopt one.

What Are The Benefits of Buying a Mini Cow?

Besides having an adorable lawn ornament, there are many perks to owning a mini cow. Here are a few of them.

They Can Provide Milk and Meat

Mini cows do require milking twice per day to stay healthy. Also, if you are looking to raise your own meat, a herd of mini cows can supply you with fresh grass-fed beef.

Teach Your Children About Hard Work

If you’re looking for a pet that can teach your child about hard work, a mini cow is a great choice. They’ll learn everything from patience, gentleness, and working to earn what they want. Of course, they will also learn about the simple pleasures of farm living.

They Are a Safer Choice in Companions for Adults and Children

If you have adults or children who are new to owning cattle, a mini cow is a more suitable option. For instance, a mini cow will grow to be only 500 to 700 lbs, which means they are a bit easier to harness and lead around. At the same time, an adult cow can grow to weigh as much as 1,500 lbs. A 1500 lb animal can do serious damage and be harder to control should they have an outburst. 

They’re Cheaper to Feed

Mini cows require a specific diet. However, they eat far less of it than their normal-sized siblings.

They Can Create a Second Source of Income

If you’re pinching pennies, mini cows can help you provide an additional source of income. For example, they can produce milk, be shown in competitions, and be bred. Also, you should keep in mind that using a mini cow for income should have an ethical approach to ensure your calf’s safety as well as your own.

The Downsides of Owning a Mini Cow

Mini cows are wonderful pets and farm animals. But there are a few drawbacks to owning them.

They Can Be Pricier Than Normal-Sized Cattle

Depending on the breed of your mini cow, they can be triple the price of regular-sized cattle. A regular-sized cow can cost around $900 to $3,000, depending on the type and breed of cow. Meanwhile, depending on the breed, a mini cow can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $6,000.

They Can Be Difficult to Milk

While mini cows can produce milk, it can be tedious work. If you or your child has larger hands, it is nearly impossible to milk them due to their small teats. You can do things to help, such as using a machine pump, which can be safer for your mini cow. If you aren’t careful, you can injure them.

They Are Prone to Predators

Most livestock is a prey animal, meaning that there are larger animals such as bears, coyotes, and foxes that can consume your mini cow for dinner. Thankfully, there are ways to reduce the chances of them being dinner, such as not allowing your mini cow to free roam.

Birth Defects Are Likely

Due to their small size and bloodlines, reproducing mini cows can be fatal. Nevertheless, if you ensure that you go to a reputable breeder, this will reduce the chances of birth defects.

Mini Cow Breeds

Figuring out which mini cow breed is best for you can determined with a few factors in mind, such as the following.

Purpose

Are you shopping for a companion mini cow? Are you looking for one that can produce milk? Or are you looking for a mini cow to supply your family with meat? Knowing the purpose of your mini cow will help you to decide which breed will suit you best. For instance, Jersey cows are best for milking, whereas Texas longhorn mini cows are best suited for companionship. 

Budget

Mini cows are pricey, no matter the cow. However, some mini cow breeds, such as Scottish highlanders, can be more expensive. A good budget for a mini cow generally starts around $5,000, and that covers just the cow.

Personality and Health

Mini cows can be prone to pneumonia and other health issues. On top of that, certain breeds can be more susceptible to complications and diseases, which can make them more expensive.

Examples of small breeds of mini cows include the following.

• Mini Jersey Cows
• Mini Longhorns
• Mini Scottish Highlanders
• Mini Angus

Next, there is a specific breed of mini cows known as Dexters. Dexters are considered the teacups of mini cow breeds. They only grow to be at most 4 feet in length and weigh below 800 pounds.

Should You Own Two Mini Cows?

You do not need to own mini cows. One can survive on their own as long as you provide socialization, food, and proper care. On the other hand, it is wise to buy two mini cows at once. Studies have shown that they are happier and produce more milk when living in pairs of 2 or 3 mini cows.

Can Mini Cows Live in the House? 

While they are capable of living in the house, their quality of life would be severely compromised.  A mini cow needs plenty of room to graze, poop, play, and eat. Unfortunately, living indoors is not a smart option for these little cows. Nonetheless, you can train a mini cow to use the cat litter box. Plus, they can come in to spend time with their owner for a short period at a time. 

Miniature Cow Prices 2024: Supplies

Before adopting your mini cow, you will need to stock up on supplies. Below is an essential list of supplies to ensure your cow gets adequate care:

• Water trough.
• Food trough.
• Grain diet specifically for cows. Miniature cows eat around 4% of their body weight every day. Therefore, it is important to make sure they have adequate access to food while in their stalls to eat and out in the pasture.
• Grass.
• Hay.
• Halter.
• 1 acre per mini cow. 
• Salt Blocks.
• Vitamins.
• Fence.
• Stall.
• Barn.
• Blanket.
• Heaters that are safe to go in the water during the winter.
• Bottle.
• Formula.
• Toys.
• Halter.
• Lead rope.
• Brushes and brush tray.
• Insurance.
• Milk machine.

Estimated Cost: $10,0000

Cost of Miniature Cows

On average, the minimum price for a mini cow can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000. You can also find a mini cow at local shelters or adoption agencies on occasion.

Cost 

$3,000 to $5,000 per cow. 

Miniature Cow Prices 2024: Veterinary Costs

Just as a dog or cat needs to visit a local vet, miniature cows need annual veterinary checkups. Plus, there are some vaccinations that every mini cow should have for optimal health. Also, you will want to either invest in pet insurance or make sure that you have additional money put away in case of an emergency.

Cost 

$100 to $250 per visit. 

Mini cows are intelligent, gentle, and small cattle that don’t require a lot of money. However, miniature cow prices, supplies, vet costs, and food in 2024 can be pricey if you do not have a budget prepared before buying or adopting one.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © KatieDamonPhoto/Shutterstock.com