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Renee M. in Michigan
True Blue Farmgirl
54 Posts
Renee
Allendale
MI
USA
54 Posts |
 Posted - May 26 2008 : 7:43:38 PM
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I am researching this breed at the moment. Do you raise them for milk, meat, or both? What is the milk production like (lbs. per day?) What can one expect to pay for a heifer calf?
Thanks,
Renee M. up in the mitten
No woman ever made history by following the rules. |
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shepherdgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1008 Posts
Tracy
California
USA
1008 Posts |
Posted - May 28 2008 : 12:35:00 PM
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Hi Renee! Well, I too am fond of the Dexter breed. In fact, there is a breeder only 20mins from where I live. Molly is right on the price. In Ca, where I live, animals START at about what you pay for a good used car, so my dream of owning them will have to wait awhile. But I WILL have them!!
One thing you need to do, if you are serious about getting some is to learn as much about the breed as possible and understand that there is a strong potential for genetic defects. I know a lot of good breeders have worked on their herds for years and I would only buy from a long term breeder with a good reputation, registered stock, and who LOVES to talk about their cows!
Because of their size (and history), many lines still carry the "dwarfing" gene. Achondroplasia can be a big problem in that breed, but some lines have been bred so well that the incident of a "Bull Dog" calf cropping up is rare.
There are TWO types of Achondroplasia, one more severe than the other. The animals have short legs, but are otherwise "OK." The more severe of the two produces a disproportionate animal with short stubby legs and a big head, usually with a flatter face (thus the term "Bull Dog") I belive those animals are usually destroyed. They should certainly never be BRED!!! A good breeder will cull those animals out of their herd and never sell them under the guise of "Breeding Stock."
If you DO get some, let us know! I will be SOOO envious, but happy for you too!!!
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. ~~ George Carlin |
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Anyone raise Dexter cattle?
