Facts & Hints

Facts and Hints….you need to know When Purchasing Registered Miniature Hereford Cattle

For someone wanting a deeper interest in breeding, stud Miniature Hereford cattle
are ideal. Only the offspring of registered Miniature Hereford parents can be
registered. Miniature Hereford cattle with no registration certificates are commercial
cattle.

It is important to remember that a sale of Miniature Hereford cattle is a commercial
transaction between vendor and purchaser and that the NZ Hereford Association and
the NZ Miniature Hereford Breeders Group has neither the power nor desire to
become involved, other than to ensure transfer procedures are carried out correctly.

DOES THE ANIMAL MEET THE BREED STANDARD FOR MINIATURE HEREFORD
CATTLE?
1. Ask your potential vendor for a copy of the Breed Standards or contact the NZ
Miniature Hereford Breeders Group for one.

HAVE ALL REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS BEEN OBSERVED?
Ensure you ask to be shown the relevant registration certificate of the animal
for sale and that its information is current, correct and refers to the animal in
question.
This should include:-

1. Both dam and sire being registered with both the NZ Hereford Association and the NZ Miniature Hereford Breeders Group.

2. Do the ear tags match those on the certificate?

3. Is the owner a current financial member and registered breeder of both the NZ Hereford Assn and the NZ Miniature Hereford Breeders Group at time of sale?

4. Has the vendor completed the transfer form on the reverse side of the
registration certificate? This must be done as soon as possible after the sale and sent to the Secretary of the Association.

5. Purchaser must also be a financial member of both the NZ Hereford Assn and
the NZ Miniature Hereford Breeders Group before transfer can take place.

IS THE ANIMAL IN CALF?

If the animal is in calf have accurate records been kept of the last bull service. If the
sire is not owned by the owner of the dam at point of conception, then full details the
sire or AI must be obtained.

If the purchase is a cow/calf unit then the calf must also be previously registered by
the Vendor and transferred to purchaser.

AI (Artificial Insemination)

Calves produced by AI will be accepted by both NZHA & NZMHBG providing the
following rules are observed.

1. Semen is from a bull registered by the Association for the purpose and after
payment of the appropriate fee for Licensed Semen.
3. The calf complies with and is eligible for entry into the NZHA Herd Book and
complies with the NZMHBG Regulations

ANIMALS WITHOUT REGISTRATION CERTIFICATES

Those people who buy unregistered Miniature Hereford cattle can become commercial
members subject to an annual subscription fee to both NZHA and NZMHBG. Progeny
from unregistered stock is not eligible for registration.

SIMPLE HUSBANDRY HINTS

1. Ensure that the animal is healthy and has good conformation, keeping in mind such
things as fertility, docility, sound feet and joints.

2. Obtain full dossier on its past drenching, vaccination and veterinary programmes
ie. TB Status of the Herd, BVD Testings, 5N1 vaccinations etc.

3. Ensure your pasture programme is sufficient to hold intended cattle numbers.

4. Ensure fencing and water access are also adequate. This should also include loading ramp and head bail/crush.

Although the above information is not offered as a warranty of completeness, we
hope that it allows you a smooth transition into the Wonderful World of Miniature
Hereford Cattle.

** Ask the vendor to give you the appropriate paperwork and information
regarding joining both the NZ Hereford Assn and the NZ Miniature Hereford
Breeders Group.