Dairy producers

[wvdexters]

I've had a lot of time this past week to spend on the computer;  looking through pictures, reading Dexter sites, forums and especially looking through some of the old Historical Dexter info.  And it is all so interesting.  Our breed is so remarkable, and the early Dexters that were the foundation so outstanding and unique.  I have been so impressed with the types of info they give on these animals.  The amount of milk they gave was incredible, and from such small animals.

The 1921 herd book describes "The Dexter as a milk producer has considerable merit."  There are many records for these little cows producing 4,000 - 6,000lbs milk produced within a yr and this on just ordinary care.  Official testing in 1916-1917 - 24 cows were tested by the Dept of Ag of Ireland covering periods of lactation ranging from 33 - 45 weeks.  The smallest annual yield was 4555 lbs during a period of 36 wks with an average of 4.1% fat.  The largest 8124 lbs was during a period of 45 weeks and averaged 3.7 % fat. 

The record of 9046 lbs and 4.26% fat was set by Slane Clara of the Castlegould herd in NY.

It occurs to me that these early breeders were so very proud of their animals; not only for what they were, but for what they could DO.  These weren't just "show cattle" as I've seen them called by some people, these were "producers".  Working cattle.  And they were doing it without a lot of input and fuss "on just ordinary care". 

I also read where there were many very beautiful cows under 500lbs in England. 

This really is a remarkable breed, and one well worth preserving.

[lonecowhand]

I agree with Karrie about those beautiful, remarkable, little cows. I wonder what kind of milk production one can expect from todays traditional or Legacy Dexters in comparison to those historical cows.

The numbers sound big in annual pounds, but broken down they seem to have a range of 3 1/2gal per day(largest) to 2gal per day (smallest). That sounds like what I've heard anecdotally on other boards for Modern Dexters.

Judy has mentioned that there are still a couple of dairies which only milk Dexters. Does anyone have connections to find out what kind of quantities are produced annually?

I have asked before, and most here do not milk, but maybe know someone who does.

[Donlin Stud]

We have three homes who took home some of our Dexters for milking purposes but none milk every day and all will calf-share as well.

All I can tell you is that all three homes are so happy with not having to maintain a strict schedule to keep their Dexters producing enough milk for their families and also for their cheese making ventures.

One home only milks when they feel like it (mum has a calf) it could be twice a week this week, once the following week, maybe none that week and sometimes it can be up to three times a week.

The Dexter firmly adds another meaning to the word 'versatile'