Miniature "backyard" cows – complete solution in a small pack

Rising food price is an issue?  So, how about a miniature cow?  A cow the size of a German Shepherd (~39 in), gives 16 pints of milk a day… mows your lawn and for the meat eaters gives 70% of the steak of a cow twice its size?  There are some options:

– Dexter is a mountain breed from Ireland.
– Mini-Hereford and Lowline Angus – are artificially created breeds

Dexter originated in 1800s as a cottager’s cow – producing enough milk for a house and a calf a year.  When the new calf comes – the mother was sent to the slaughter house for meat.  So it was a complete package.

A desire for organic food, fuelled by health concerns over factory farming and soaring food prices, means that many people now see growing their own food as a viable alternative. As many as 2% of households are now estimated to have their own fresh supply of eggs. In the last year food prices have increased by a record 13.7%. The cost of meat has risen 16.3%, while milk, cheese and eggs rose by 19%, according to figures released by the Office for National Statistics last month.

Actually, these breeds could be an excellent option for India as well.  Create small cows and make it cheap enough for every family in the villages to have one.  In fact instead of dumping  unlimited money big employment schemes with no results, the Government should just donate a cow each in every village – a living asset that can give them food for ages!