What is the miniature cow ratio per acre compared to larger breeds?
There are a number of items that determine stocking rate and one of them is cow weight. Factors that influence stocking rate include, grass type(s), soil type, rainfall (or irrigation), amount of cross fencing, cow weigh, stage of production (lactating vs nonlactating), and if the cow is lactating, how old is the calf. An animal unit (AU) is described as a 1000 pound cow with a calf at her side that is less than 3 months of age. After 3 months of age, the calve is .3 AU until weaning. In your situation, a three month old calf might not weigh all that much, but will still be eating some grass. I would suggest that after three months of age, that each 100 lb of calf is .1 AU. If the cow weighs 700 pounds then that would be .7 AU. If the calf is three months old and weighs 200 pounds, then that’s .2 AU, so total AU would be .9 AU. Go to the extension office in your state and they will have guideline for grass production in your area.
