Dexter
When the grass is long, the little Dexter cattle can almost hide in it. (Photo: provided)
Originally, Dexter cattle were native to south-western Ireland. An estate manager named Dexter crossed wild mountain cattle with small dairy cows of the Kerry breed. The result was a robust dual-purpose bovine that, with its milk and one calf per year, could feed an average Irish family. The small animals yield a very large amount of meat and milk in relation to their body weight, without needing any special feed.
In the mid-20th century, the small breed almost disappeared, to be replaced by larger, more productive cattle. Fortunately, the population is stable again today. The breed is also popular in Switzerland, as it is very undemanding, yet productive. In addition, with a withers height of around one metre, the small animals are highly manageable and charming.
With their short legs, the robust Dexter cattle are well suited to grazing on rough terrain and making it usable for humans. (Photo: Angelika Zgraggen)
Incidentally: Until a few years ago, a small Dexter bull from Ireland, by the name of Archie, was recognised by Guinness World Records as the shortest bull in the world, with a withers height of 76.2 cm. (In 2018, a Miniature Zebu bull measuring 67.6275 cm took his place).
Cattle of the Dexter breed can be black, red or dun (greyish brown). (Photo: provided)
Sources : mutterkuh.ch, swissdexters.ch, «Das andere Kuhbuch» von Michael Brackmann, www.guinnessworlrecords.com
more comments
