Direction of use
Dexter cattle are a dual-purpose breed with beef as the main use and milk playing a secondary role. For their size, the animals reach an amazing milk performance of an average of 2,500kg/year and 4.3% fat. The breed is both undemanding and long-living.
Statistics & Distribution
- Austria: 300 animals
- Breed proportion in Austria: 0.02%
This breed is represented by numerous small herds in the UK and in several other countries. In Germany Dexter herds can be found both in Taunus and in Northern Germany.
Figures
Control farms (Herds): 12
Height (cm, Ø): 105
Weight (kg, Ø): 325
Animals in control farms: 207
Registered cows: 0
Origin: Kerry (IRL)
History
Original type: Branched breed of Irish Kerry-cattle
18th century: Origin of the breed in the South West of Ireland by Mr. Dexter
1845: Oldest report about this breed
1882: Imports to the U.K.
1887: First Herd Book in Ireland
1905: Establishment of the „Dexter Cattle Society“