Dexter cattle are ideal for experiments

This article explored how Dexters, being the low-maintenance and inherently docile cattle they are, were ideal material for animal scientists operating in certain fields of research.

It is claimed that the Dexter originated in the south and south-western districts of Ireland where, for some considerable time, they had been bred by smallholders. Originally a mountain breed, at one stage they roamed about the shelterless hillsides in an almost wild state. The name ‘Dexter’ is reputed to have arisen from an agent of Lord Hawarden by that name, who conceived the idea of a small cow suitable for both milking and fattening.

MODERN BREED

According to historians, the Dexter is a considerably more modern breed than its near relative, the Kerry. The latter has existed from times immemorial among the Kerry mountains in the west of Ireland. The small size, character and colour of the Kerry suggest that it represents, with little variation, the aboriginal cattle of the country, identical in type to the small, dark-coloured ox of Ancient Britain. However, at various stages, interbreeding between Dexter and Kerry no doubt occurred, resulting in so-called Dexter-Kerry cattle. However, these cattle must not be confused with the Dexter-Kerry type of animal popular at one stage in the Cape Province.