Dexter Cattle
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The native home of the Dexter is in the southern part of Ireland where they were bred by small ranchers
and roamed about the shelterless mountainous terrain in an almost wild state.
In recent years, there has been a worldwide increase in the interest in Dexter cattle.
These gentle, hardy and easy to handle animals are one of the world's smallest bovines.
They require less pasture and feed than other breeds.
They thrive in hot, as well as, cold climates and do well outdoors year round, needing only a windbreak,
shelter, and fresh water. Fertility is high and calves are dropped in the field without difficulty.
They are dual purpose, being raised for both milk and meat.
Polled red heifer
Polled black bull
Size and Appearance
According to the standards adopted by the American Dexter Cattle Association, the ideal three year old Dexter bull
measures 38 to 44 inches at the shoulder and weighs less than 1000 pounds.
The ideal three year old Dexter cow measures between 36 to 42 inches at the shoulder, and weighs less than 750 pounds.
Most Dexters are solid black. Red or dun are less common. All Dexters on Old Baily Farm are disbudded or naturally polled. However, horns on cows are fine and curve forward when present. Bulls' horns, when present, are thick, solid, and slightly curved at the tips. The distinctive head is short and wide between the eyes, with straight sides.
Productivity
A milking cow can produce more milk for its weight than any other breed. The daily yield averages 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 gallons
with a butterfat content of 4 to 5%. Yields of cream up to one quart per gallon are possible.
The cream can be skimmed for butter or ice cream.
Beef animals 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 and the beef is slightly darker red than that of other breeds.
Please contact us at 541-459-1732 for availability of Dexter Cattle for sale!