The native home of the Dexter
cattle was located in the southern part of Ireland where they were bred
by small landholders and roamed about their shelterless mountainous
districts in an almost wild state of nature.
The first recorded information
about Dexter cattle being imported into the United States dates back to
between 1905-1915. Some of the original importers and owners of Dexter
cattle living in the United States are from some of the wealthiest and
well-known families.
Dexter cattle are considered a
tri-purpose animal. They are suitable for meat, milk, and also can be
trained as oxen. These animals are very hardy and they can thrive in
both hot and cold climates year round needing only a windbreak, shelter,
fresh water and forage.
As a bovine breed, Dexters can
be considered one of the world's smallest natural breeds without being
breed down to their current size. According to the American Dexter
Cattle Association's breeding guidelines, the preferred size for a
mature Dexter bull may range between 38-44 inches at the hip and
weigh around 1000 pounds. The ideal three-year old Dexter cow measures
between 36-42 inches at the hip and weigh around 750 pounds. depending
on environmental conditions and breeding genetics, the height and weight
of Dexter cattle could vary from the current ADCA size guidelines. The
Dexter cattle also can be of a long-legged or short-legged body
structure.
As a bovine breed, Dexters are
considered very docile and gentle. They can be easily taught to handle
and train. This makes it much easier for young children to train
Dexters for showing in cattle events.
Pound for pound, Dexter cattle
cost less from birth to the finished product. Economically, these
animals have the ability of turning forage into rich milk and quality
lean meat. Dexters may be finished on either grass or grain. They
mature in 18-24 months and result in smaller cuts of high quality lean
meat of graded choice with little waste. The expected average yield is
50-60 %. The meat is slightly darker red in color than many other
breeds. Proportions are also of a smaller size which benefits for a
healthier eating style.
With the size of Dexter cattle,
fertility is high and the majority of calves are born without
assistance. Easiness of calving is a much-desired trait within this
breed.
Dexter cattle come in 3 colors,
black, dun, or red. They also can be horned or polled, with some people
preferring to dehorn them. A milking cow can produce more milk for its
weight that any other breed. The daily milk yield averages from 1 to 3
gallons per day with a butterfat content of 4 to 5%. Yields of cream
can be up to one quart per gallon and can be skimmed for use of making
butter or ice cream.
