Life Span: They can live up to 20-25 years old[4]. Social Structure: Dexter Cows live in large herds and are considered to have a more even temperament for farming. Dexter Bulls have been noted to have been easy to handle and dexter cows have been noted to be good mothers, perfect for seed stock operations.
Standing 40 inches tall and weighing 700-900 lbs., Dexter cattle are some of the smallest cattle in the world. Although size is the breed's most distinguishing characteristic, Dexters are a useful, productive, multi-purpose animal.
One to two acres will suffice, and since they're lighter, they won't beat up the pasture as bad. That's important, because you don't want their main food source trampled down. “A lot of people are strictly grass feeding now,” Daggett says. “I've done both but I'm strictly grass feeding.
They are also known for their easy calving and excellent meat quality. 3 However, there are some cons to consider, such as lower milk production compared to larger dairy breeds, and a smaller, yet growing market for Dexter cattle products.
Even when raised with sheep, some Dexters can become very aggressive towards any animal they perceive as a threat or competition, and we have had sheep get killed after being kicked in the head or stomped on.
As with all cattle breeds a healthy lactation is generally 305 days with a 60 day dry off period. if your cow has not been bred again continue to milk her for as long as you can which could be up to two years or more.
Hereford. The Hereford cow is a friendly and easy going breed among other breeds of cattle. They are known for their beef. The basics: Hereford cows have white faces and an easy-going disposition which makes them easy to care for and almost like pets.
Dexter cows are extremely maternal and because of their dual purpose qualities will milk well. Calving problems are rare and newly born calves are up on their feet very quickly. Heifers mature young and can be put to the bull at 15 – 18 months of age.
Dexters are horned or polled, with some people preferring to dehorn them. A milking cow can produce more milk for its weight than any other breed. The daily yield averages 1 to 3 gallons per day with a butterfat content of 4 to 5 percent. Yields of cream up to one quart per gallon are possible.
The breed has a good temperament and cows milk well. A milk yield for a Dexter kept as a dairy cow is usually around 3000 - 3600 litres per lactation. That being said, milk yields in excess of 4,000 are possible.
Address: 359 Kelvin Stream, Lake Eldonview, MT 33517-1242
Phone: +577037762465
Job: Product Hospitality Supervisor
Hobby: Gardening, Web surfing, Video gaming, Amateur radio, Flag Football, Reading, Table tennis
Introduction: My name is Manual Maggio, I am a thankful, tender, adventurous, delightful, fantastic, proud, graceful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
