Meet the 'panda cow': U.S. farmer creates rare calf that makes the perfect pet in China... and sells for $30,000
It's a farmyard animal with a serious identity crisis.
A rare miniature cow with markings similar to a panda bear has been born on a farm in northern Colorado.
The so-called 'panda cow' born in Larimer County is thought to be one of only about 24 in the world.
The male calf - named Ben - was born Friday morning as the result of genetic manipulation. His mother is a Lowline Angus cow.
Proud: Colorado farmer Chris Jessen holds his new 'panda cow' named Ben, hours after the rare miniature cow was born. Its appearance is the result of a genetic manipulation.
Farmer Chris Jessen raises miniature cattle and also owns a miniature kangaroo on his hobby farm.
The (Loveland) Reporter-Herald said the miniature panda cow is the result of a genetic manipulation programme by Richard Gradwohl, a farmer in Covington, Washington.
'We had a Chinese delegation visit our farm and they were fascinated,' Mr Gradwohl told the paper.
'They want them in China, so we're going to be exporting.'
A white belt encircles the animal's midsection, and the cow has a white face with black ovals around the eyes, giving it a panda-like appearance.
Mr Gradwohl claims the breed is a composite of eight different breeds.
The mini-cattle are bred solely as pets and panda calves can sell for $30,000.
Mr Jessen said: 'They get a little nippy. They like to tug at you.'
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