Dexter History
The breed traces back to the original indigenous cattle of the British Isles. The first settlers of Ireland tamed and bred Dexters in the lush green lowland pastures of Ireland. Invaders later drove farm folk and their animals into the most mountainous and unsettled areas of the island, where the Dexters bred and thrived on sparse fare. They survived both harsh climates and rough graving. Dexter cattle were later known as "The Poor Man's Cow" because a small landowner was able to get an adequate supply of meat and milk for his family even on the roughest grazing land. Dexters were first introduced to the United States in the early 1900's when several families imported selected animals from England. Dexters possess many fine qualities not found in other breeds. Small farmers and homesteaders in American today have chosen IRISH DEXTERS as the ideal landowner livestock.
Gort Sunbeam 5th DOB 1907
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Woodmagic Dormouse DOB 1969
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Description
Irish Dexters are the smallest breed of cattle in America, but are NOT a miniature. They are a dual-purpose animal producing both delicious meat and quality milk. Cows mature between 36 and 42 inches at the shoulder and not more than 750 pounds. Bulls mature between 38 and 44 inches at the shoulder and not more than 1000 pounds. They are available in three colors; Black, Red and Dun.
Dexters come in horned, dehorned or polled. They are hardy and easy to handle. Their economical upkeep and long life is an advantage over many other breeds.
Dexters come in horned, dehorned or polled. They are hardy and easy to handle. Their economical upkeep and long life is an advantage over many other breeds.
Kingswood Courtley Girl - DOB 1904
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Breeding and Reproduction
IRISH DEXTERS are known for their ease of calving and are very good mothers. Breeding longevity is very good with many cows calving into their late teens. Heifers are usually bred at 14 to 16 months so they are at least two years old when calving for the first time. Some heifers reach puberty at a young age, so caution is advised when a mature bull is kept in the same pasture with nursing heifer calves.
A Dexter bull may be bred to another breed producing a quality cross and is an excellent choice for first calf commercial heifers, producing a smaller birth weight calf.
Semen is available for those interested in using artificial insemination. Click here for link to ADCA AI sires.
A Dexter bull may be bred to another breed producing a quality cross and is an excellent choice for first calf commercial heifers, producing a smaller birth weight calf.
Semen is available for those interested in using artificial insemination. Click here for link to ADCA AI sires.
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MEAT and MILK PRODUCTION
Dexter meat is lean with light marbling, high quality and good flavor. Dexters typically dress out at 55-65% of their live weight, resulting in a greater percentage of usable beef. The quantity of meat from one animal can be easily stored in a home freezer.
The milk production of a Dexter depends upon the animal, her condition, feed ration and care given her. The milk is rich, averaging 4 to 5% butterfat. The fat globules are small and separate from the milk within 24 hours. The cream can be skimmed off and used for butter and ice cream. The milk is sweet and rich even after the cream is removed and can be used to make excellent cheese or cottage cheese.
The milk production of a Dexter depends upon the animal, her condition, feed ration and care given her. The milk is rich, averaging 4 to 5% butterfat. The fat globules are small and separate from the milk within 24 hours. The cream can be skimmed off and used for butter and ice cream. The milk is sweet and rich even after the cream is removed and can be used to make excellent cheese or cottage cheese.
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