Family Breeds Mini Cows To Sell

Family Breeds Mini Cows To Sell LIVESTOCK Exotic Animals Customers contact Matt and Kaylee Kleinsasser about buying mini cows for the same reason the couple purchased their first two cows “Their cuteness ” says Kaylee Kleinsasser “People love the hair and the unique colors Their mannerisms too - they’re not mean they have good personalities Those qualities make mini cows ideal for people looking for pets or “eye candy” on their rural property And because of the Kleinsassers’ emphasis on careful breeding their miniature livestock bring premium prices from $3 500 to $12 000 The Montana couple had each grown up on ranches but never expected to get into raising cattle when they purchased their first cows in 2016 “We had a little land We wanted our kids to experience being responsible for animals and the good things you learn like a good work ethic We didn’t have a lot of acreage so the minis fit better with our lifestyle and property ” Kleinsasser says They require less feed and minimal fencing and land When people asked about buying them and the couple expanded their property to 240 acres they recognized an opportunity to start raising minis After much research they focused on buying animals with good breeding To avoid having nonviable calves they never breed two animals that have the dwarfism gene Chondrodysplasia Many of their 27 cows are standard Highland cows that are naturally small Two of their three bulls have the dwarfism gene; the other is a Highland The goal is to have mini 36 to 42 in tall and micro mini less than 36 in tall calves with a lot of hair Most also have horns “Most of the time females are more desired ” Kleinsasser says Customers are from all over the U S including Texas Tennessee and California where the cows often have access to misters to help them stay cool in the summer Some buyers get them for their children to learn responsibility as the Kleinsassers did Their children Greeley and Izzy spend time with the mini cows and their calves to make them tame and they show them in parades Kaylee a pharmacist takes care of marketing and accounting and Matt retired from teaching to take care of the animals Calves stay with their mothers until weaning at 4 to 6 mos old when they’re ready to sell Cows are split into two groups for spring and fall calving Buyers looking for specific colors or characteristics are put on waiting lists but usually calves are available to purchase within a reasonable time Kleinsasser says Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Two Cow Mini Cattle 600 Hwy 191 N Big Timber Mont 59011 ph 406-939-1394; kayleekountz@hotmail com; www 2cowminis com

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