Dexter Cow
Common Name: Dexter Cow
Scientific Name: Bos taurus taurus[1]
Physical Description: Dexter Cows typically come in one of 3 solid colors, black, red and dun. They have the occasional white on the udders, as well as white horns with black tips. Dexter Cows typically range 34-46 inches and 36-42 inches at hip, while Dexter Bulls are 36-50 inches tall, and 38-44 inches at hip[2]. They have broad muzzles and large nostrils as well[3].
Habitat: The Dexter Cow inhabited the open mountain region of Ireland. It is a relatively sparse location in terms of shelter but suited for large herds of cows.
Range: Kerry region of southwest Ireland
Diet: Grass, hay, and other pasture foliage
Life Span: They can live up to 20-25 years old[4].
Social Structure: Dexter Cows live in large herds and are considered to have a more even temperament for farming. Dexter Bulls have been noted to have been easy to handle and dexter cows have been noted to be good mothers, perfect for seed stock operations.
Status: Not Applicable
Other: Dexter cows are a tri-purpose cow when used in farming, used for beef, milk, and drafting15. They are a hardy cow who can sustain the sparce cover of southwest Ireland, and thus are selected for farming to reduce attention farmers need to pay during inclement weather.
[1] https://www.fws.gov/species/bos-taurus-taurus-bos-taurus-taurus
[2] https://dextercattle.org/
[3] https://dextercattle.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/ADCA-Breed-Guidelines.pdf
[4] https://www.thecattlesite.com/breeds/beef/13/dexter#:~:text=Heifers%20mature%20young%20and%20can,for%2014%20years%20or%20more.
Scientific Name: Bos taurus taurus[1]
Physical Description: Dexter Cows typically come in one of 3 solid colors, black, red and dun. They have the occasional white on the udders, as well as white horns with black tips. Dexter Cows typically range 34-46 inches and 36-42 inches at hip, while Dexter Bulls are 36-50 inches tall, and 38-44 inches at hip[2]. They have broad muzzles and large nostrils as well[3].
Habitat: The Dexter Cow inhabited the open mountain region of Ireland. It is a relatively sparse location in terms of shelter but suited for large herds of cows.
Range: Kerry region of southwest Ireland
Diet: Grass, hay, and other pasture foliage
Life Span: They can live up to 20-25 years old[4].
Social Structure: Dexter Cows live in large herds and are considered to have a more even temperament for farming. Dexter Bulls have been noted to have been easy to handle and dexter cows have been noted to be good mothers, perfect for seed stock operations.
Status: Not Applicable
Other: Dexter cows are a tri-purpose cow when used in farming, used for beef, milk, and drafting15. They are a hardy cow who can sustain the sparce cover of southwest Ireland, and thus are selected for farming to reduce attention farmers need to pay during inclement weather.
[1] https://www.fws.gov/species/bos-taurus-taurus-bos-taurus-taurus
[2] https://dextercattle.org/
[3] https://dextercattle.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/ADCA-Breed-Guidelines.pdf
[4] https://www.thecattlesite.com/breeds/beef/13/dexter#:~:text=Heifers%20mature%20young%20and%20can,for%2014%20years%20or%20more.
