DEXTER-CATTLE BEEFY LITTLE MILKERS |
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DEXTERS BEEFY LITTLE MILKERS The origin of the Dexter is the subject of much controversy and conjecture. There are claims that they are the survivors of the original Celtic cattle of Europe. The bones of cattle found in prehistoric settlements resemble those of the modern Dexter. The first herd-book was issued in 1890 which listed Dexter and Kerry cattle. The British Gentry were attracted to these little cattle and imported many of them from Ireland to grace their estates. The British herd-book dates from 1900. In 1897 Dexter herds were present in Australia as well as South Africa and America. Due to their size, they were ideal cattle to accompany the early settlers. A herd of milking Dexters were kept at Hawkesbury Agriculture College in the early 1900’s and there are records of them having been shown at the Sydney Royal between 1910 and 1920. Gradually the Dexter herds diminished in Australia and the United Kingdom and in 1954 they were placed on the endangered species list by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust in England. The Dexter is a dual purpose animal, that is, it will produce a good supply of high quality milk and the carcass yields excellent fine textured tender meat. These hardy little cattle were known as the “poor man’s cow” in Ireland. The cow was able to supply milk for a family as well as suckle her own calf which would then grow out to supply meat for the family. They could be maintained in harsh conditions because of their ability to forage. The small size of the Dexter offers many advantages. For those who have small blocks of land, two Dexters can be maintained on the same amount of land that would be required for one standard breed. Being small and of good temperament they are an ideal choice for the first time cattle owner. They are easily tamed and trained to lead. While good yards are necessary to handle any cattle safely, they do not require the extensive structures needed for standard cattle. New owners soon find out that a small, tame, Dexter has a way of finding food in the most unlikely places, including the garden and the kitchen should they get the chance. Dexter Bulls are an ideal choice for using over heifers of larger breeds. This enables the heifers to be mated earlier as a Dexter bull is not as heavy as the larger breeds thus giving an earlier financial return. Dexters are excellent mothers and the calves are usually up and running within a half hour of being born. There are three colours that are acceptable for registration in the Dexter Herd Book. They are Black, Red and Dun. The coat colour must be solid but white on the underline and udder behind the navel is acceptable. The Australasian Dexter Association was formed in 1987 and has now been renamed to Dexter Cattle Australia Incorporated. It has a National membership of around 700 and is still growing. The South Australian Group has a membership of 38 . Members are spread throughout South Australia so it is difficult for some to come to meetings and Field days. By setting up our website we hope that we can keep better contact with all of our members and that they can become part of the Dexter World. |