Raising Dexter cattle is not something new. This type of cattle are an ancient breed. They are the smallest breed of cattle of British origin and are bred both for milk and for meat. They are predominantly black in color, but can also be red or dun. Dexters are a mountain breed, which means that they are particularly hardy and can survive in any environmental condition. The meat they produce is of excellent quality, has a good level of marbling, and is highly valued for its flavor and minimal waste.
Some farmers jokingly say that if you don't have a farm or a barn, you can keep a Dexter in your garden. Maybe not so, but the size and the temperament of this type of cattle really do make them suitable for small spaces. It used to be that cattle breeders thought that major breeds should be bred bigger and bigger. This necessitated having a property that was large enough for all those big cows. However, breeders have by now realized that bigger is not necessarily better and some have turned to raising Dexter cattle, a breed that does not require large properties but is equally profitable.
Because more calves mean more profits, raising Dexter cattle can be a particularly lucrative endeavor. Dexters typically live long lives and can be bred until the ages of 14 or 15. Considering that a Dexter can be bred from as early as a year old and through harsh weather conditions, this trait is a clear advantage over other breeds.
Raising Dexter cattle does not require large sums of money. First, the size of a Dexter means that it can be kept in a facility that does not have to be as strong and sturdy as those required by bigger and stronger breeds. Second, this type of cattle are not as susceptible to cattle diseases. This means that they rarely need to be attended to by a veterinarian. Third, they are highly intelligent and have a steady temperament, which means that they are not difficult to handle.
Another good reason for raising Dexter cattle is that Dexters are known as "easy calving cattle". This means that they can successfully give birth without assistance and that they rarely experience any birthing difficulties. Also, the rate of live births of this type of cattle is relatively high. Because of these characteristics, Dexter bulls are often used instead of valuable heifers of larger cattle for breeding. This almost always results in larger numbers of safe, unassisted births.
Raising Dexter cattle for either milk or meat can both be profitable. They are known as prolific milkers and produce a significantly higher milk yield than other breeds. Their milk is of very high quality and has high levels of protein and butterfat. The meat, on the other hand, has a pleasantly unique taste and texture that makes it suitable for boutique meat markets.
