World’s smallest cow enters Guinness Book of World Records

LONDON - A Dexter cow from Cheshire has entered the 2011 Guinness Book of World Records for being the smallest in the world.

Swallow, an 11-year-old cow, who is currently pregnant, stands 33.5in (0.8m) tall from hind to foot, which is shorter than most sheep.

Owner Caroline Ryder has described Swallow, who has produced nine calves, as the “nanny of the herd”.

Swallow was born in Newbury, Berkshire in 1999 and brought up in Rishton, West Yorkshire, after the Ryder family bought her at a rare breed auction in 2006.

Ryder, who recently moved to Crossley Hall Farm, near Congleton, explained that Swallow’s small size meant that she is used for breeding.

“She was quite small when she was born and she has grown proportionately,” the BBC quoted her as saying.

“She is really sweet - an asset to the herd. For a small cow with short legs she can’t half move fast,” she said.

The family approached Guinness after noticing a posting on a Dexter cattle forum from someone looking for the smallest cow, and after putting her name forward last year, the record was confirmed a few months ago.

Craig Glenday, Guinness World Records editor-in-chief, said the tiny cow was one of his personal favourites among the 3,000 new records.

“It’s been a fantastic year for record breaking. The animal records are always among the most popular we have in the book,” he stated. (ANI)