Dexter cattle are the smallest of the European cattle breeds, being about half the size of a traditional Hereford and about one third the size of a Friesian milking cow. They were considered a rare breed of cattle, until recently, but are now considered a recovering breed by the American Livestock Breeds Consevancy. The Dexter breed originates from Ireleand.
The Dexter breed originated in southwestern Ireland from which it was brought to England in 1882. The breed virtually disappeared in Ireland, but was still maintained as a pure breed in a number of small herds in England. The Dexter is a small breed with mature cows weighing between 600-700 pounds and mature bulls weighing about 1000 pounds. Considering their small size, the body is wide and deep with a well-rounded hindquarter. Although usually black, a dark-red or dun Dexter is sometimes found, all animals are always solid, with only very minor white marking on the udder or behind the navel. Horns are rather small and thick and grow outward with a forward curve on the male and upward on the cow.
Dexters are classified as a dual-purpose breed; used for milk and beef. However they are often listed as a triple-purpose breed, since they are also used for oxen. Management practices vary by breeder and by country. Their versatility is one of their greatest assets, and probably has something to do with the number of countries Dexter reside in, including North America, South Africa, Australia, and much of Europe.
Beef animals in the U.S. are expected to mature in 18 months and result in small cuts of high quality lean meat, graded choice, with little waste. The expectable average dress out is 50 to 60 percent. The beef produced by Dexters is well marbled and tends to be darker.
Dexters produce a rich milk, relatively high in butterfat (4%) and the quality of the milk overall is similar to that of the Jersey. Some claim the milk is more naturally homogenised than other milk due to the smaller fat globules. Dexters can reasonably be expected to produce 2 to 2.5 gallons per day.
The cows are exceptionally good mothers, hiding their calves almost from birth if there is any cover to hide them in. They will produce enough milk to feed 2-3 calves, and often will willingly nurse calves from other cows. They are known for easy calving.
Dexters come in two different types: short-legged and long-legged. Short-legged animals are carriers of the chondrodysplasia, or "bulldog" mutation and should not be bred with another short-legged Dexter. Long-legged Dexters do not carry the mutation.
Dexters are typically horned, however a polled strain was developed in the 1990's.
The popularity of Dexters has been fueled by a desire for organic food, health concerns over factory farming, and soaring food prices.
The Dexter breed originated in southwestern Ireland from which it was brought to England in 1882. The breed virtually disappeared in Ireland, but was still maintained as a pure breed in a number of small herds in England. The Dexter is a small breed with mature cows weighing between 600-700 pounds and mature bulls weighing about 1000 pounds. Considering their small size, the body is wide and deep with a well-rounded hindquarter. Although usually black, a dark-red or dun Dexter is sometimes found, all animals are always solid, with only very minor white marking on the udder or behind the navel. Horns are rather small and thick and grow outward with a forward curve on the male and upward on the cow.
Dexters are classified as a dual-purpose breed; used for milk and beef. However they are often listed as a triple-purpose breed, since they are also used for oxen. Management practices vary by breeder and by country. Their versatility is one of their greatest assets, and probably has something to do with the number of countries Dexter reside in, including North America, South Africa, Australia, and much of Europe.
Beef animals in the U.S. are expected to mature in 18 months and result in small cuts of high quality lean meat, graded choice, with little waste. The expectable average dress out is 50 to 60 percent. The beef produced by Dexters is well marbled and tends to be darker.
Dexters produce a rich milk, relatively high in butterfat (4%) and the quality of the milk overall is similar to that of the Jersey. Some claim the milk is more naturally homogenised than other milk due to the smaller fat globules. Dexters can reasonably be expected to produce 2 to 2.5 gallons per day.
The cows are exceptionally good mothers, hiding their calves almost from birth if there is any cover to hide them in. They will produce enough milk to feed 2-3 calves, and often will willingly nurse calves from other cows. They are known for easy calving.
Dexters come in two different types: short-legged and long-legged. Short-legged animals are carriers of the chondrodysplasia, or "bulldog" mutation and should not be bred with another short-legged Dexter. Long-legged Dexters do not carry the mutation.
Dexters are typically horned, however a polled strain was developed in the 1990's.
The popularity of Dexters has been fueled by a desire for organic food, health concerns over factory farming, and soaring food prices.