Have you thought of keeping a few Dexter cattle?
23rd May 2017
Do you have a few acres of grass or an orchard that you need to mow 8 or 9 times a year? Well what about a lawn mower that is
Do you have a few acres of grass or an orchard that you need to mow 8 or 9 times a year? Well what about a lawn mower that is delicious to eat and converts that grass to lovely beef which is second to none.
The Dexter breed is the smallest British breed of cattle. It is a dual-purpose breed, with the average weight of a cow being some 300 – 350 Kg’s and standing 92cm – 107cm at the shoulder. There are two recognized types, short legged and non-short, both of which have their equal merits. The breed comes in three colours, predominately black, but also red and dun.
The breed is early maturing. Beef of excellent quality and flavour, with good marbling and can be produced economically. Dexter steers finish on grass at 20 -24 months of age without supplementary feeding, with average carcase weights of between 145 – 170 Kg’s. Because of their good meat to bone ratio, a killing-out percentage of over 55% can be achieved.
The meat is very popular with the consumer, through farm shops, farmers markets and breeders themselves. The outstanding flavours and size of joints make it ideal for home freezing with minimal waste. Dexter beef features very heavily on many of the TV Cookery programmes. Many producers sell boxes of circa 15 kgs/box.
There are breeders all over the UK willing to show you their cattle and discuss the merits of the beef.
For further information on Dexter cattle check out www.dextercattle.co.uk or for details of the East of Anglia Dexter Group email: aeneal763@btinternet.com or go to the website www.dextersea.uk
