How much hay do DexDexTer cows eat?
Dexter Cattle: Feeding and Housing Dexters Being much smaller than conventional cows they don't need as much space for pasture. A half acre of good green grass per animal, or 12 to 15 pounds of hay and a little grain each day is enough in temperate climates.
Can Dexter cattle feed the world?
A Dexter will provide excellent quality beef and superior milk in manageable quantities. No, they will not ”feed the world”, but they will efficiently convert grass and browse into nutritious and delicious food for a family. With their naturally small size, Dexters are ideal for grass-fed/grass-finished beef.
What products are made from Dexter cattle?
Calf/cow skin leather products such as shoes, car seats, fine leather coats, gloves, handbags, belts, furniture, rugs, etc. The Dexter cattle breed originated in the southwestern region of Ireland and were first sent to England in 1882.
How can you tell if a Dexter cow is good?
The color of the horns being usually white with black tips. Dexter cattle temperaments vary from some being very docile to others being rather quick tempered . If they have been constantly handled by their breeders before purchase, they are usually the docile ones and easy to handle. They are excellent mothers and calve easily.
How much does a Dexter cow eat per day?
Easy and economical to keep, a Dexter consumes about half of what an Angus or Hereford would under the same conditions. A half acre of good green grass per animal, or 12 to 15 pounds of hay and a little grain each day is enough in temperate climates. The cattle are ideal for grazing on older or overgrown pastures.
How do you take care of a Dexter cow?
They'll appreciate grain as a treat, and during the winter will nosh on good quality grass-alfalfa hay. Housing them is just as easy. Dexters tolerate climates from Alaska to Florida just fine and do well outdoors all year, as long as they have a shelter or windbreak.
How much milk does a Dexter cow need?
Dexters kept as dairy cows will yield on average, 10 - 12 litres daily (3050 - 3660 litres per 305 day lactation), with some individuals yielding 14 litres or more (4080 litres per 305 day lactation).
Do you have to milk a Dexter cow?
Lower Milk Yields Dexter cows can give higher yields than other heritage breeds, especially considering their size. But they haven't been bred to give much more milk than necessary to feed their calves. (Forget using the calf as a relief milker if you want more than ½-1 gallon day.)
Do Dexter cattle need shelter?
Dexters are thrifty and economical. Their needs are somewhat different from larger beef or dairy animals. They are excellent food converters and are hardy enough to winter out providing they are well fed and there is adequate shelter from bad weather.
Do Dexter cows make good pets?
A petite Jersey, a Dexter, or a gentle miniature dairy cow can provide your family with better dairy products than money can buy, and unlike a plastic milk jug, Bossy makes a great pet, too. The soft, woolly undercoat curried from molting Galloway and Highland cattle is a fiber artist's joy.
How long do Dexter cattle live?
25 yearsHeifers mature young and can be put to the bull at 15 - 18 months of age. Dexters are noted for their longevity and can live up to 25 years and should breed regularly for 14 years or more.
Are Dexter cattle small?
Dexter cattle, or miniature cattle, are perhaps the best pound-for-pound value in the bovine realm. The mini cows are one of the smallest breeds of cattle and do not need as much room to roam – or pasture to feed them, as regular size cattle.
Are Dexter cows Hardy?
The Dexter breed originated in Ireland. The smallest native breed of cattle in the British Isles, they are hardy, dual-purpose cattle, producing excellent beef and milk, an ideal suckler cow for conservation grazing.
What are Dexter cows good for?
Dexter beef is lean and high quality. The small size of the carcass makes the breed an excellent choice for direct marketing programs. Dexters are good browsers and can rid pastures of pest plants, and can also be used as oxen.
How much meat do you get from a Dexter steer?
about 260-300 pounds“When a steer weighs 800 pounds, we get about 260-300 pounds of meat back (after being processed).” The milk is high in butterfat and protein, similar to Jersey milk. Disposition is another advantage, Chambers said: “They're a very friendly breed.
When should you butcher a Dexter cow?
Dexter steers can finish on grass at 20 -24 months of age without supplementary feeding, with average carcase weights of between 145 - 220 Kg's. Because their good meat to bone ratio, a killing-out percentage of over 56% can be achieved.
What are Dexter cows good for?
Dexter beef is lean and high quality. The small size of the carcass makes the breed an excellent choice for direct marketing programs. Dexters are good browsers and can rid pastures of pest plants, and can also be used as oxen.
Are Dexter cows Hardy?
The Dexter breed originated in Ireland. The smallest native breed of cattle in the British Isles, they are hardy, dual-purpose cattle, producing excellent beef and milk, an ideal suckler cow for conservation grazing.
How many acres do you need for a mini cow?
Just as miniature cows eat less than a full-size cow, you'll need just ½ – 1 acre of pasture for each cow and you will have less manure to haul away.
How much milk does a Dexter cow produce?
Dexter Cattle. A Dexter can be expected to produce 1 1/2 to 2 gallons of milk per day as a rule for a 305 day lactation cycle, but as with any breed, there are exceptional cows that can produce up to 5 gallons per day, so yields will vary.
What breed of cow is Dexter?
Dexter cattle are a heritage breed of cow from Ireland, with unsurpassed hardiness, resilience and versatility. They’re considered a dual-purpose breed, ...
How much pasture do dexters need?
A smaller size means Dexters require less food and pasture space than a full-sized dairy cow. Depending on the forage, one-half to 1 acre of pasture is enough to sustain a Dexter at high summer.
How big are Dexter cows?
The small size of Dexter cattle comes with many large benefits. A mature cow weighs in at roughly 600 to 800 pounds, or about one-third the size or your average Holstein, making them ideal for small land holders to manage. They’re a common choice for children in 4H projects because they’re docile and easy to handle, and their shorter stature makes them less intimidating to children. Their low weight means that they’re easier on the land, which can help prevent damage in wetter areas.
Why are oxen used as small scale oxen?
Though officially considered a dual-purpose breed, they’re commonly used as small scale oxen because of their natural pulling instinct and readiness to follow commands. Though smaller than any other working breed, they can pull a disproportionately large amount of weight.
How much hay do pigs need?
In the winter, they require 12-15 pounds of hay per day with a little grain, or closer to 20 pounds per day on hay alone. When in sufficient supply, they can live on poor quality or overgrown pasture. This makes them even more adaptable for new land holders who may not have ideal dairy pasture on hand.
Can you breed a dexter?
If you’re going to have milk, you’re going to need to breed your cow and tend a calf. Dexters are commonly crossbred with standard-sized cattle because they’re known for their ease of calving. Cross breeding with a Dexter can mean an easier time calving for a first-time mother. Pure-bred Dexters keep those easy calving benefits, and add in naturally strong mothering instincts, as well. They can continue to calve until they’re 15 or more years old.
What do you need to know before buying a Dexter?
What you need to know before purchasing your first Dexter. • You must have access to grazing. • Some form of shelter. • A holding number. • A herd number. • A movement book. • A medicine book. • The name of a good local cattle vet.
How long does it take for a dexter to get a birth certificate?
Currently 20 days from date of birth for Dexters. All cattle must be fitted with 2 eartags.
Can you use a metal tag on a Dexter?
Ask for the smaller sized eartags for your main tag currently allowed for Dexters. Button or metal tags can only be used as the second tag. Miss this deadline and a passport will not be issued, effectively rendering the animal worthless, as it cannot be moved from the holding, sold or slaughtered.
Do cattle need magnesium supplements?
A mineral supplement must be available at all times, and in times of extremely wet weather and early grass flushes cows with young calves are more susceptible, care must be taken to make sure they have a supplement with a good supple of Magnesium in, as at these times cattle are at risk of magnesium deficiency.
How old is a Dexter cow?
A Dexter cow should deliver her first healthy calf when she is two years old, and birth easily and consistently until she is 18-years-old. Given this longevity, a Dexter cow could out-produce a production breed over the course of her lifetime.
How long to wait to harvest dexters?
With their naturally small size, Dexters are ideal for grass-fed/grass-finished beef. Depending on your preference you can harvest as early as 18 months for a leaner product or wait until 24 months for more marbling.
What color are dexters?
Originally Dexters were mostly small, black, and horned, but today there is a wide range of sizes, body types, as well as red and dun colored, and even polled (hornless) genetics within the purebred U.S. herd.
What is the selection criteria for a homesteader?
A homesteaders selection criteria is not just milk or beef, but rather milk and beef.
What is the initial investment of large livestock?
The initial investment of large livestock is nothing compared to the maintenance, infrastructure needed, and potential health issues that might be undetectable without knowing what to look for or by getting proof of a clean bill of health by a veterinarian or validation with simple and affordable genetic testing.
Is Dexter milk good for homesteaders?
Compared to the typical heavy cream texture of Jersey milk, Dexter milk is known for its lighter fresher taste. But homesteaders need more than quality beef and milk. Homesteaders need efficiency and low maintenance and Dexters are exactly that.
What can livestock be used for?
But livestock can provide more than food, their byproducts can be used for soap and other artisan crafts. They can provide soil fertility, weed clearing, provide a little extra income from their abundance, and/or be a hobby as many livestock owners enjoy showing and exhibiting their animals.
How big do Dexter cattle get?
Raising Dexter Cattle. Calves are so cute when they're little, but when they grow to be a full-sized 1,200-pound animal, it's a little intimidating. And they eat a lot, too! Not everyone has the space or resources to raise full-sized cattle, so an increasing number of acreage owners are turning to tiny Dexter cattle.
How much space do dexters need?
Dexters don't require a lot of living space. 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.
Who raises Dexters?
Chuck Daggett raises Dexters, and says anyone from city folks new to the country to a seasoned farmer can easily raise them for a number of reasons. "Some people treat them almost as a pet," Daggett says. "Some people raise small petite beef. The cuts are smaller, it's cheaper to buy, and they're good eating.
Do Dexter cattle milk in the morning?
And so the homesteader milks them in the morning and gives them the calf in the afternoon.". Dexter cattle are generally docile creatures and if they're around people a lot, they're easy to halter-train. Kids enjoy walking them like a dog.
What is a Dexter cattle?
The Dexter cattle are small compact and muscular with medium length legs and medium-sized well-shaped head. The smaller size makes them appear less intimidating than their larger full-sized cousins and as such make them a more appealing choice for younger farmers or new farmers.
Where did Dexter cattle originate?
HISTORY. The Dexter cattle breed originated in the southwestern region of Ireland and were first sent to England in 1882. After which the breed all but disappeared from its native homeland but was still maintained in small herds across England. The first recorded records of Dexter cattle being introduced into America occurred between 1905 ...
What is the smallest pure breed of cattle?
General Information: Dexter cattle are known to be one of the smallest pure breeds of cattle in the world today. Dexter cows are really prolific and can continue to breed and produce healthy offspring right into their 20’s. Their small size, gentle nature and good posturing make them the perfect choice for projects for children like ...
How often do cows calve?
Most Cattle produce milk but not all of them are used in the dairy Cattle capacity for their milk. Cows only calve once a year and should have 12 to 14-month inter-calving cycle. They have a rather good milk yield for a small cow and are an excellent choice for a homestead.
Do Dexter cattle have skin?
Most meat Cattle will have a skin by-product, and these are usually used in some form or just as a hide. Dexter cattle are not primarily bred for their hide and are not too large but as a by-product of their meat production their hides are used in some form or other of leather production.
Why are Dexter cows so good?
They have a great beef flavour and meat yields are excellent due to the lower amount of fat on the body compared to other breeds. Milk from Dexter cows contains a higher level of butterfat than traditional milk breeds.
What is a Dexter cattle?
Dexter cattle are a mountain breed that is well-adapted to the harsher landscape of Ireland’s rocky fields. They thrive on low-quality pastures and will also eat weeds and unwanted vegetation. Their small size and weight also ensure that they do less damage to damp, water-logged land.
Why are poor cows called poor cows?
Originally known as the “poor man’s cow” because they needed less land to thrive on, they were named after a Mr. Dexter in the 1700s who bred the cattle for their hardiness and good eating qualities. They have a great beef flavour and meat yields are excellent due to the lower amount of fat on the body compared to other breeds
What are the characteristics of Dexter meat?
Some of the most important characteristics of Dexter meat are its taste and benefit to your health. The breed develops a unique ‘spider’ marbling and is high in CLAs, Omega 3, Omega 6 and Omega 9. People who first taste Dexter meat also find that they will eat less than they would have eaten of conventional meat.
Why are Dexters so popular?
The popularity of Dexters has been fueled by a desire for organic food, health concerns over factory farming, and food prices. You owe it to yourself to taste this marvellous beef.
Is Dexter beef readily available?
It used to be that Dexter beef wasn’t readily available to consumers, but that is changing. There are a few dedicated outlets for this wonderful beef. killenure.ie and donabatedexter.ie are two I know of and I will look into finding more. dextersociety.ie should have a list of suppliers.
When did Dexter cows go extinct?
The breed almost became extinct in the 1970s, but thanks to the efforts of the British Dexter Society, they are now secure.
Benefits of Small Size
Space and Feed Requirements
- A smaller size means Dexters require less food and pasture space than a full-sized dairy cow. Depending on the forage, one-half to 1 acre of pasture is enough to sustain a Dexter at high summer.
Milk Production
- A Dexter can be expected to produce 1 1/2 to 2 gallons of milk per day as a rule for a 305 day lactation cycle, but as with any breed, there are exceptional cows that can produce up to 5 gallons per day, so yields will vary. Nonetheless, their production will reduce down to mirror the needs of the calf if they’re only milked once daily, rather than twice as is common in production cows. Th…
Breeding and Calving
- If you’re going to have milk, you’re going to need to breed your cow and tend a calf. Dexters are commonly crossbred with standard-sized cattle because they’re known for their ease of calving. Cross breeding with a Dexter can mean an easier time calving for a first-time mother. Pure-bred Dexters keep those easy calving benefits, and add in naturally strong mothering instincts, as wel…
Meat Production
- Though Dexters are smaller cows, they produce a much higher percentage of usable meat than most breeds. Grain-finished Dexters can yield 60 percent of their live weight in meat, or 55 percent for grass-finished steers. In some exceptional animals, 70 percent is possible. This compares with 40 to 50 percent yield for other dairy breeds. This means 350-400 pounds of meat in your freeze…
Other Uses
- Though officially considered a dual-purpose breed, they’re commonly used as small scale oxen because of their natural pulling instinct and readiness to follow commands. Though smaller than any other working breed, they can pull a disproportionately large amount of weight.
Finding A Breeder
- Dexters are raised around the world, and though they’re much less common than standard-sized breeds, they’re becoming more popular as small-scale land holders seek new ways to be more self-sufficient. The livestock conservancy lists their status as “recovering” and they’re now common enough to no longer be an “at-risk” species. Expect to pay a bit more for your calf at th…