About Dexters -
History
Dexter cattle are an ancient breed descended from the black cattle kept by the Celts and are believed to date back to the Bronze Age. Dexters were house cows kept by Irish peasants to provide both milk and meat. Although established as a distinct breed in the mid 1700's, the breed was not fully described by its proper name until 1845, in a report on Irish cattle, written by David Lowe. The first Herdbook was produced by the Royal Dublin Society in 1890. Dexter cattle were introduced into England in the 18th century being sold to the aristocracy as ‘park’ cattle to display on estates of the era. Dexters can now be found in many parts of the world such as Europe, USA, Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
Dexters were introduced into Australia in the 19th Century but numbers gradually decreased, when Dexters were replaced by larger more productive breeds in commercial dairy herds. After the 1940's Dexters were no longer found in Australia. It was not until the early 1970's, after the Rare Breed Listing in 1970, that the revival of the breed within Australia began to take place. The growing popularity, in more recent times, has been partially due to the "tree change phenomenon", resulting in an increasing number of people moving out of the cities onto small farms.
Dexters were introduced into Australia in the 19th Century but numbers gradually decreased, when Dexters were replaced by larger more productive breeds in commercial dairy herds. After the 1940's Dexters were no longer found in Australia. It was not until the early 1970's, after the Rare Breed Listing in 1970, that the revival of the breed within Australia began to take place. The growing popularity, in more recent times, has been partially due to the "tree change phenomenon", resulting in an increasing number of people moving out of the cities onto small farms.
Breed Characteristics
Appearance & Breeding
Grazing on Sunset
Dexter cattle are whole coloured animals occurring in three colours: black, dun and red, with black being the most common. Traditionally a horned breed, de-horning is common cattle husbandry practice and polled Dexters are now being bred more widely. Mature cows have an average weight of 300-400kg and mature bulls 400-500kg. Ideal heights are 97-107cm for cows and 102-112 cm for bulls. Dexters are early maturing, highly fertile and long lived and therefore cows have more calves per lifetime. Dexter cows are strongly maternal and generally calve easily with gorgeous little calves with a mean body weight between 18-22 kg.
When considering breeding Dexter cattle it is important to be informed of the inherited conditions affecting Dexters. All cattle breeds suffer from different inherited conditions, Dexters are affected by Chondrodysplasia (Bulldog Dwarfism) and Pulmonary Hypoplasia and Anasarca (PHA). An invaluable DNA test is available for Dexter cattle that identifies carriers for these conditions. The Keenleavale Dexter herd is genetically free of both Chondrodysplasia and PHA.
When considering breeding Dexter cattle it is important to be informed of the inherited conditions affecting Dexters. All cattle breeds suffer from different inherited conditions, Dexters are affected by Chondrodysplasia (Bulldog Dwarfism) and Pulmonary Hypoplasia and Anasarca (PHA). An invaluable DNA test is available for Dexter cattle that identifies carriers for these conditions. The Keenleavale Dexter herd is genetically free of both Chondrodysplasia and PHA.
Beef & Milk
Dexters are renowned for their efficiency and are the best converters of feed for both meat and milk production.
Dexter beef is tasty and tender with small cuts of high quality, lightly marbled lean beef ideal for the home freezer. Because Dexters are small boned, there's little waste, resulting in a high bone out percentage. Most Dexters have a large Eye Muscle Area (EMA) relative to body weight, which equates to a higher proportion of saleable meat for their body weight [Data sourced from the 2003 Sydney and 2003 & 2007 Melbourne Royal Shows, of 31 breeds and 1091 bulls scanned, Dexter bulls scored the highest EMA].
Dexter milk is rich, creamy and high in protein (3.54%) and butterfat (3.93%). A milking Dexter can produce up to 10 litres of milk per day, which is enough to raise two healthy calves or provide enough milk for a family and one calf. The milk has small fat globules, which is more easily digested, and separates well making it excellent for producing cream, butter, yoghurt, ice cream and cheese.
Dexter beef is tasty and tender with small cuts of high quality, lightly marbled lean beef ideal for the home freezer. Because Dexters are small boned, there's little waste, resulting in a high bone out percentage. Most Dexters have a large Eye Muscle Area (EMA) relative to body weight, which equates to a higher proportion of saleable meat for their body weight [Data sourced from the 2003 Sydney and 2003 & 2007 Melbourne Royal Shows, of 31 breeds and 1091 bulls scanned, Dexter bulls scored the highest EMA].
Dexter milk is rich, creamy and high in protein (3.54%) and butterfat (3.93%). A milking Dexter can produce up to 10 litres of milk per day, which is enough to raise two healthy calves or provide enough milk for a family and one calf. The milk has small fat globules, which is more easily digested, and separates well making it excellent for producing cream, butter, yoghurt, ice cream and cheese.
Grazers & Companions
Due to their semi-feral origins, Dexter cattle are hardy and adaptable. They are expert and enthusiastic foragers, and able to thrive in a variety of climates, terrains and feed situations. Dexters are small, being about two thirds the size of the larger breeds. Small breeds such as Dexters are generally easier to maintain: they require less heavy duty cattle handling equipment; cause less soil compaction; and it is possible to run more head of small cattle per hectare. Dexter cattle are truly ideal for small holdings. They are mainly quiet, friendly and inquisitive, interacting readily with people and other animals. Dexters are intelligent and learn quickly, responding well to considerate and consistent handling. Their small size, mostly good temperaments, and training ease make Dexter cattle ideal for children, older people, and those unaccustomed to handling cattle.
Dexter cattle are the ultimate breed of choice for lifestyle and performance.
Dexter cattle are the ultimate breed of choice for lifestyle and performance.