Dexter Cattle, Cows - Ideal Small Cattle Breeds for Homesteading on Small Farms

Dexter cattle are ideal cattle breeds for small farms and homesteads. Find Dexter cattle information here on Dexter cows for meat and milk and what to feed them.

Originating from Ireland more than a century ago, they are dual purpose cattle, raised for both milk and meat, and because of their size, are the ideal house cow for hobby farmers.

Dexter Cattle: Size, Colour & Temperament

Most Dexter cows are black in colour, although a dark red or dun cow can occur from time to time. Standing at about 1 meter to the shoulder, an adult cow weighs in at 300 kg. A mature bull can stand as high as 1.2 m and can weigh more than 450 kg. However, they are still considerably smaller than your conventional cattle.

The horns of the bulls usually extend directly out to each side, making a curve forward and upward, with a considerable space between the two horns. The colour 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. They also make very good surrogate mothers and will often look after 4 or more calves at a time.

Dexter are also long producing animals, and will often calve until they are 18 or even 20 years old. 17-18 years, however, is the average.

Dexter Cattle: Dexters for Milk

The beauty of owning Dexter cows is that despite their small size, their milk output matches those of full-sized cows. They can yield up to 20 litres of milk a day, although 10 litres is considered average. Butterfat levels average 4-5% with yields of cream up to 1 litres in 5; ideal for making cheese.

Dexter Cattle: Dexters for Meat

Dexters are good beef animals, producing good quality cuts. The meat is lean and the meat to bone ratio is excellent. Another advantage is that the smaller joints make home-freezing much easier. A 3 year old steer would reach a killing out weight of 460 kgs. However, for intensive farming, which we don't support, this could be achieved in 12 months. They would reach 180 kg within 14 months which would be an acceptable weight for slaughter. With grass-fed animals the meat is tender and lean. average 4-5% with yields of cream up to 1 litres in 5; ideal for making cheese.

Dexter Cattle: Dexters for Meat

Dexters are good beef animals, producing good quality cuts. The meat is lean and the meat to bone ratio is excellent. Another advantage is that the smaller joints make home-freezing much easier. 

A 3 year old steer would reach a killing out weight of 460 kgs. However, for intensive farming, which we don't support, this could be achieved in 12 months. They would reach 180 kg within 14 months which would be an acceptable weight for slaughter. 

With grass-fed animals the meat is tender and lean. With grain feeding it is finely marbled in the prime cuts and a lighter colour.

Dexter Cattle: Feeding & 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. They are good foragers and eat the same things as goats, and will even survive on rough pasture. However they will need good fencing, sheep fencing is good enough for Dexters. They will also need a constant supply of clean water and shelter from inclement weather. However, they are also able to live in the open in all types of weather, and TB and other diseases due to close housing are uncommon.