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What is a Dexter
The Dexter is a naturally small, docile, dual purpose bovine. Dual purpose meaning they produce a good supply of high quality milk and their meat is tender, fine textured and finely marbled There are three recognised solid colours for registered Dexters and they are black, red and dun. The cows are wonderful mothers.
In Ireland these hardy little cattle were known as the” poor man’s cow “. The cow was able to produce enough milk for the family as well as suckling her own calf. She did not need a large area to roam and many were tethered on the roadside.
The advantages of Dexters
The small size of the Dexter offers many advantages. For those who have a small block of land, two Dexters can be raised and maintained on the same amount of land that would be required for one standard breed of cattle.
Being small and of good temperament, they are an ideal choice for the first time cattle owner. Dexters are easily trained to lead and are ideally suited to transport in a trailer or horse float. The size of the Dexter makes them more environmentally friendly as their smaller feet do not do the damage to the soil that those of their bigger cousins do.
While good yards and fences are necessary to handle any cattle safely, Dexters do not require the massive structures needed for the larger breeds. Electric fencing is most helpful.
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