What Mini Bull Should You Use?

Get help deciding what type of bull to breed to for your breeding goals.

Take Quiz

How often do you plan to milk?

Twice every day, 10 months a year

 

Once-a-day milking has appeal

 

Only to save a calf

 

Never!

 

1 / 7

Do you plan to butcher your cattle?

No, I'm vegetarian.

 

No, our cows are pets.

 

Yes, but we'll send them to processing.

 

Yes, we'll process them ourselves.

 

2 / 7

How do you plan to breed?

Artificial Insemination

 

AI with a CIDR protocol

 

AI with a clean-up bull

 

Herd bull

 

3 / 7

Do you disease test your Mini cow?

Yes, I drink Raw Milk and testing is important.

 

Yes, longevity is important.

 

No, they're headed to butcher.

 

4 / 7

Where did you buy your last Mini cow?

Private party sale

 

Craig's List

 

Sale barn

 

5 / 7

What's breed is your Mini cow?

Mini Highland

 

Mini Hereford

 

Mini Belted Galloway

 

Dexter

 

Mini Jersey

 

American Aberdeen/Lowline Angus

 

Mini Galloway

 

Mini crossbred

 

Mini Holstein

 

Mini Texas Longhorn

 

Mini Guernsey

 

Mini Zebu

 

6 / 7

How do you tell your cows apart?

She has a name.

 

My herd is small but we name them.

 

They all have an ear tag and number.

 

7 / 7

You scored a 0

A Dairy Miniature Bull

You want your cow to earn her keep! For you, the maximum production of milk is a priority. You either have a large family, make a lot of cheese, or you live in a state where you can legally sell Raw Milk.

You will want to look in Miniature Dairy Bulls for a Mini Jersey with a high score in Milk Yield in Igenity Basic Testing. Pay attention to his dam's udder, where pictures are available. If you plan to register the calf, or show, you'll want to breed purebred to purebred.

You scored a 81

A Crossbred Miniature Bull

You want your cow to fill some pretty specific goals! Your needs are complicated and you're willing to take some risk. You know you can achieve hybrid vigor with intentional crossbreeding. You're creative and not afraid to color outside the lines if it means accomplishing your goals.

You'll want to look in Miniature Crossbred Bulls for a Mini with broad genetics to offer. Pay attention to his dam and sire. Study pictures and stats carefully for conformation, ensuring they're both good examples of their breed. Consider looking at Dual Purpose Mini Bulls as well.

You scored a 161

A Dual Purpose Miniature Bull

You want your cow to provide for your family! Your needs aren't complicated. You want a cow that can raise a calf and keep milk in your fridge. You want her heifer calves to be future milkers and hold condition easily. Bull calves are grown out for the freezer.

You'll want to look in Mini Dairy Bulls and Mini Beef Bulls for a practical dual purpose Mini. Pay attention to his dam and sire. The dam should have good dairy traits and solid but feminine build. The sire should be masculine, thick and proportionate. Consider looking at Crossbred Mini Bulls as well, if registration or showing aren't a factor. A Dexter bull or a Mini Jersey cross might suit your needs.

You scored a 241

A Beef Miniature Bull

You want your cow to have a beefy calf! For you, the maximum butchering weight and quick growth are a priority. You either really love steaks or you sell custom butchered beef by the half.

You will want to look in Miniature Beef Bulls for a Mini Hereford or American Aberdeen/Lowline Angus. Pay attention to his EPDs and Rate of Gain, where available. If you plan to register the calf, or show, you'll want to breed purebred to purebred.