Don't overthink it. Once you factor in all the costs the best cattlemen make maybe $300 per cow per year. The worst cattlemen probably lose about the same. I'm guessing the amount of money you stand to make or lose from 5-10 head isn't going to put you in the poor house--or allow you to buy a private island.
If you want to play with cows, play with them. The great thing is if you get tired of them they are always easy to sell.
If you want to play with cows, play with them. The great thing is if you get tired of them they are always easy to sell.