They are valued for milk and meat production, adaptability, resilience, and attractive appearances. These are found in the landscapes of India, the serene pastures of Ireland and various grasslands across the globe, each breed has a special set of traits that make them stand out. Here are some popular small cow breeds around the world
1. Vechur
Vechur cow of Kerala, India is the smallest cattle breed in the world. Its milk, A2 beta-casein rich is easy to digest and comes with a variety of health benefits. Vechur cows have proven to be a fit for any extreme climatic condition and possess good resistance against disease, hence these are apt for sustainable farming practices. Their nature and low maintenance have made it one of the popular breeds for small-scale farmers.
2. Miniature Zebu
3. Punganur
The Punganur cow is a small but strong one that originates from Andhra Pradesh, India. This breed is famous for its rich milk production. The milk produced by Punganur cows contains a high amount of fat, which is excellent for the production of ghee and butter. These cows are very hardy and can tolerate extreme climatic conditions with minimal resources. They are easy to handle and gentle, making them very popular among small-scale and traditional farmers.
4. Somba
The Somba cow is a small breed from Ethiopia and possesses resilience and the ability to thrive in challenging environments. Despite its small size, the Somba cow is a hardy and efficient grazer, making the most of limited resources. These cows are valued for their milk, which is rich in nutrients and essential for the local diet. Their adaptability to arid conditions and minimal care requirements make them an important asset to rural communities in Ethiopia.
5. Panda Cow
Panda Cow is a very rare and exclusive breed of cattle named after its appearance, which closely resembles that of a panda due to the strong black and white markings. The Panda Cows are small, gentle, and friendly animals. That is why many people like keeping them as pets or in petting zoos. Panda Cows are mostly bred for their unique appearance, which is due to selective breeding. They look cute and nice, with small size, which makes them pleasant additions to any farm or animal sanctuary.
6. Miniature Jersey
These miniature Jerseys are a smaller version of the well-known Jersey cow that everyone hears about for its rich, creamy milk. Ideally suited to the small farm or homestead, the Miniature Jersey produces an abundance of milk high in butterfat. Gentle and easy-going, this makes them particularly easy to manage, and their compact size and fine grazing abilities make them a practical choice for sustainable dairy farming.
7. Dexter
The Dexter is a small, traditional breed from Ireland. Like other small breeds, Dexter cows produce a good-quality of milk and meat production. Dexter cows have ease of calving, hardiness, and efficient grazing qualities. They are adapted for small-scale farming and homesteading because of their compact size and low maintenance needs. Dexter cows are friendly and quiet, making them easy to handle.
