Dexters are one of the smallest "true" breeds of cattle, and aren't actually miniatures as most would assume, since they aren't a bred-down version of an established larger breed.
Dexters are a dual purpose cattle that originated in the harsh, mountainous region of southern Ireland, and are very hardy animals that can easily withstand extremes in both hot and cold temperatures. They come in 3 colors...Black, Dun, and Red. They are early to mature, and heifers are ready for their first breeding around 14-15 months of age, so they will have their first calf by the age of 2 years. When bred early like this, their productive life is actually increased, and they have been known to produce healthy calves well into their late teens and early 20's!! Dexter cows are excellent mothers from their first calf to their last, and the need for calf pullers is virtually non-existant.
Dexters are awesome little cattle, with bulls ranging between 38-44 inches at the shoulder, and weighing in around 1000 pounds at maturity, and cows ranging between 36-42 inches and weighing in around 750 pounds. You can expect quality carcass returns (55%-65% of their live weight) of very tasty, lean meat, and the cuts are small enough to fit nicely in your home freezer.
Dexter cattle cross wonderfully with the larger beef and dairy breeds, and Dexter bulls are a definite plus on first calf heifers of these larger breeds for guaranteed calving ease WITHOUT sacrificing the quality of the resulting calf! These first calf heifers, since they aren't traumatized by giving birth to an overly large calf, have been noted breed back sooner to any bull of choice. No more worrying about financial losses due to difficulties at calving time!
Dexters are easy keepers, requiring less feed, as they are able to digest and extract nutrients from their feed more efficiently than the typical, larger breeds of cattle, and will easily thrive off of brush and weeds that the common cattle breeds refuse to eat! You can expect to easily keep Dexters on 1/2 acre of good pasture per head, making them one of the most economical of all cattle to produce and raise!
Dexters are also valuable for milk production, and are prolific milkers in relation to their size. The typical Dexter cow can yield between 1 1/2 to 2 1/2+ gallons per day; enough to easily support her calf, with plenty left over for the human family! The milk is rich with a butter fat content of 4-5% (excellent for homemade butter and ice cream!). The butter fat globules are small, and seperate slowly which makes the milk extremely easy to digest. For the small farm-holder who is looking for a family milk cow, this is the perfect animal!
A Dexter's docile temperament, intelligence and small stature makes them an ideal 4-H project, easily raised and handled by even the youngest 4-H members. Plus, these little cattle make great "pets," and can even be trained as oxen to plow your garden!
Dexters ARE the "Ideal homestead cow."
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