Highland cattle!

[Frozen Feathers]

Texas Longhorns are like the Highlander, only they do a lot better in the heat. They have lean beef, can be very docile, (as long as you imprint at birth...like most any cattle) are great mothers and very self sufficient, they love brush land and actually thrive on it.

The man who owned the dairy farm I worked on (from the time I was 13 until 19) has a fascination for them and had one steer(and several other cows and a surprisingly docile bull) named Bob who lived to 17. By the time he passed his horn span was 54". I loved Bob, we would take him to the fairs and everyone would ogle at him. Only thing is you've got to watch your head, lol. They actually do well in any climate, they had no problem with Maine weather. And no two are alike. Very pretty and unique cattle. I think their price wouldn't be any different then Dexters or Highlanders.

 

[Agilityscots]

Wow...really pretty cows. Just gorgeous. I'm going to make a little note to remember them for the future when we buy more property. I never knew such beautiful cows existed!

Amy

 

[EweSheep]

Well I love those Highland cattle and often seen them at the Scottish fairs nearby. They have a flock of those....They are small but so docile and they have horns!

Well I could not resist adding this photo to make the Highland cattle sing!

 

[kstaven]

Many seem to be surprised about my comments on dexters and their lack of manners when it comes to fences. They are promoted differently by breeders. What you will find with most Dexter breeders is that they use heavy (5 strand) electric fence with the calves in a small area and they imprint to to danger really quickly while young. Beyond continueing to use electric at all times they are harder to contain than goats. The panic quicker and will run blind through anything at that point. They don't imprint to humans as easily as the Highland either. Far more aloof.

I don't know about your market but Dexters cost twice as much as Highlands here. They where VERY good money makers but not worth the hassle and continual damage. The fences we have will contain Highlands and goats but not Dexters when they decide to graze across the road or they get spooked because they came up on a rabbit in the grass that jumped.

Ever consider what they call Mini Jerseys? Not really a bred mini but the origination of the breed before they started breeding them up to get a larger cow. They produce well and are good natured. They can be a little pricey though.

As far as the ageing of dexter beef goes. It should be aged for 21 to 28 days.

 

[ncgnance]

Boy, after reading all these posts about Dexters and their not so good habits with staying inside a fence, I may just have to change my mind about aquiring them. Too bad, I've wanted them for a long long time. But, being just a "helpless little female with no strong man around" I certainly don't need an animal that won't stay put. Seriously, I don't really want a big honkin', sometimes dangerous animal to handle. Back to the books.....

 

[nccatnip]

Quote:
I am in the same boat. Let me know what you find, maybe we can compare notes.

 

[greyfields]

I have always found Dexters to be incredibly well behaved. I don't think there is anything in their genetics that make them difficult. However, with all breeds of animals, you'll always have your bastards.

I have several relatives in England who keep Dexters. I think the meat is delicious. If you are doing it for yourself (meaning not selling) then there are very few good reasons not to go with some of the smaller breeds. For those of us who produce quassi-professionally, we get paid by carcass weight, so the smaller breeds have to sell for more $$$ per pound -which can only be justified if you are direct-to-customer retail.

If you do get Dexters, though, insist on getting only stock which is certified Chondrodysplasia-free. Certain breedings of Dexters can get you the dreaded "bull head" calves which are often fatal to both the mother and calf. It's one of the most horific things I've ever experienced watching a vet have to cut apart a calf inside the womb ot save the cow.

 

[ncgnance]

Yes, that must be horrible...Is that the same as the "dwarf" calves I've heard about? A friend who has Dexters says that the short legged Dexters have "Dwarf" calves. I really must read some more about this breed.

 

[greyfields]

I think it's commonly a short on short mating which can cause it. But there is a simply genetic test they can do now to check for the gene. I believe it's recessive, so as long as the sire doesnt' have it, you can breed him to anything.