ABOUT DEXTER CATTLE
Dexter cattle originated in Ireland. They are the smallest of the European cattle breeds, as they are about half the size of a traditional Hereford and about one third the size of a Friesian (Holstein) milking cow. Considered to be a rare breed until recently, but are now considered a recovering breed by The Livestock Conservancy.
HISTORY & DESCRIPTION
The Dexter breed originated in southwestern Ireland after which, it was brought to England in 1882. Then the breed virtually disappeared in Ireland, but was still maintained as a pure breed in a number of small herds in England and also in the US.
The Dexter is a small breed with mature cows weighing between 600 pounds (217 kg) and 700 pounds (317 kg) and mature bulls weighing about 1,000 pounds (450 kg). Considering their small size, the body is wide and deep with well-rounded hindquarters. Dexters come in 3 colors, black, red, and dun (brown). Dexters should have no white markings except for some very minor white markings on the belly/udder behind the navel and some white hairs in the tail switch. Originally, Dexters were typically horned, however a naturally hornless (polled) strain was developed in the 1990s. Nowadays, while many Dexters are naturally polled, many have horns that are rather small and thick and grow outward with a forward curve on the male and upward on the female.
The breed is suitable for beef or milk production, although individual herd owners often concentrated on growing either one or the other.
TRAITS
Dexter cattle are found, including North America, South Africa, Australia, and much of Europe. Management practices vary by breeder and by country, but their versatility is one of their greatest assets, and probably has something to do with the number of countries.
The beef produced by Dexters is well marbled and tends to be darker. Beef animals in the US are expected to mature in 18–24 months and result in small cuts of high quality lean meat, graded US Choice, with little waste. The expectable average dress out is 50 to 70 percent.
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 1.5 to 2.5 gallons (7.6 liters to 9.5 liters) per day.
The cows are exceptionally good mothers, hiding their calves almost from birth if there is any cover for them to hide. Some will produce enough milk to feed 2–3 calves, and often will willingly nurse calves from other cows. They are known for easy calving. This trait, along with the smaller size of the calf, has produced a small but growing market in the US for Dexter bulls to breed to first calf heifers among the larger beef breeds to eliminate problems at parturition.
Dexter cattle have short legs compared to other breeds; increased shortness is displayed from the knee to the fetlock.
Dexter cattle are very hardy, efficient grazers and are able to thrive on poor land.