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Dexter Cow
Bos taurus taurus dexter
IUCN Status: Not listed
Size: Length; 92-107cm. Weight; 300-350kg.
Age: 25 years.
Habitat and distribution: These are the smallest of the British breeds, originating from Ireland.
Groups and breeding: They are very good mothers and hide their young within minutes of birth to protect them from predators. Calves weigh up to 15kg at birth but this does not matter as cows produce enough milk to feed up to three calves in one go!
Diet: Grass and plants.
- These are one of the smallest breeds of cow and originated from Eire in the 1800s when they were used as ‘cottager’s cows; i.e. for daily milk and a calf for beef every year.
- It is thought to have been brought to Ireland by a Mr Dexter who was agent to Lord Hawarden on Valentia Island in County Kerry.
- A Dexter cow can yield up to 14 litres of milk a day.
- Both male and female Dexters have horns.
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