Dexter — buy or sell

History of the breed. Dexters, these amazing little cows, have their roots in the southern part of Ireland, where they were bred by small landowners. These cows roamed the uninhabited mountainous areas in an almost pristine state, and their origin is shrouded in mystery. There is a widely held assumption that this breed is the result of crossing Kerry with some other breed, possibly Devons. There is also a version that a certain "Mr. Dexter," who was an agent of Lord Hawarden, played a key role in the creation of this Irish breed. Dexters were bred in the southwest of Ireland in the 1970s and were at that time on the brink of extinction. They are the smallest of the indigenous cattle breeds. One of the most remarkable breeds of cattle is the Dexter, which is often used as decorative animals. They are distinguished by their miniature size and serve as the basis for the creation of many hybrid breeds. There are two varieties of the Dexter breed: short-legged and long-legged, or Kerry type. Milk and meat productivity, as well as other characteristics, are generally identical for both types. The same female and male can produce a short-legged calf in one mating and a long-legged one in the next. Exterior. The average height of Dexter breed representatives ranges from 90 to 110 cm. The weight of adult cows varies from 200 to 320 kg, while bulls can reach weights of up to 500 kg with a small stature. The color of the animals is predominantly black, red, or brown. They have short legs, and their body is disproportionately large and rounded. The head is small, with a short neck. The udder is small, with large teats positioned close together. Both horned and polled individuals are found. Conditions of keeping. Dexters have a unique ability to adapt to extreme climatic conditions, including tropical climates. They successfully adapt to various housing systems. For keeping cattle, it is necessary to arrange a ventilated and dry barn, excluding the possibility of drafts in the premises. It is also important to maintain optimal humidity levels and ensure cleanliness in the barn. Direction. Cattle breeding is carried out in the meat and milk direction. Milk productivity indicators are low.