#Dexture cow how to
#Dexture cow registration

Meatīeef from Dexters is of excellent quality with a highĭress-out percentage,providing greater yield of lean, tender, tasty meat. An exceptional cow can produce five gallons (23 L) per day of 4% butterfat milk, average cows yield 2-3 gallons per day (9 to 13 litres). The fat globules in Dexter milk are very small, which makes the milk more easily digested and is recommended for people with digestive problems. Animals with Holstein or Simmental or brindle marking patterns on the face or sides are not eligible for registration. White is permissible on cows on the udder and vulva and on bulls on the penis sheath and testicles. The red animal is on the left and the dun animal is on the right (click image to enlarge).

This photo provides a good example of how different the two colours truly are. Most of the confusion lay in the fact there were few red Dexters. As we become more familar with the two colours, we will more readily be able to identify the difference.

#Dexture cow how to

In the past there has been some confusion on how to tell the difference between red and dun Dexters.

#Dexture cow registration

Reds must either be born of DNA'd red parents, or be DNA verified for registration as Reds. 750 lbs.īulls: 38 to 44 inches, weight approx. SizeĬows: 38 to 42 inches, weight approx. Dexters are a long-lived breed and are fertile at a very early age care must be taken that very young heifers are not accidentally exposed to the bull. They grow rapidly on their mother's rich milk and soon are eating grass and grain with the adults. Dexter calves are usually born easily, and quickly get to their feet with little or no human assistance.

Great converters of roughage into meat and milk, they thrive under a variety of climatic and feed situations. Although temperament varies from animal to animal, Dexters generally are mild mannered and a joy to have on your property.ĭexters require about one half the feed and space of larger breeds making them perfect for the small landholder. Dexters prosper on less feed than larger breeds and their cuts of meat are in line with public demand for smaller servings and fewer leftovers. Traits of Dexter Cattleĭexters are popular with acreage owners their size makes them easier to handle compared to many other breeds, and their docility allows for easy training to new situations. The cross-bred calf usually grows to 7/8 the size of the dam. Calving problems are virtually eliminated and the crossed calf is vigorous when born due to no calving problems. Women often enjoy the Dexter breed due to their smaller stature they are less intimidating than traditional beef breeds.ĭexter bulls make excellent crosses on traditional beef breeds since they reduce the stress on first calving heifers. The combination of less feed required, high meat and milk quality, and their docility, makes them a perfect choice for first time owners and small land owners. The Dexter's calm, gentle nature and natural curiosity have given them the honor of being labelled the ideal family cow. Their size makes them ideally suited to the small property owner as well as the farmer who understands that small-framed cattle can be more efficient than larger-framed cattle. They do well in all climates and pasture types, and given proper feed and shelter they can survive just about anywhere. Their meat is well marbled and tender, and an average Dexter cow can produce two or more gallons of milk per day. They are used as beef cattle, dairy cattle, and as oxen. Today, the Dexter is known for its hardiness, docility, thriftiness and calving ease.

The Royal Dublin Society records go back to 1879 their first herd book was printed in 1890. Owners today can have confidence in the breed's history of quality and performance. Originally kept in mountainous regions by small landholders, they were known as the 'poorman's cow'.

The Dexter is a small breed of dual-purpose cattle originating in south and southwest Ireland.