why does it seem that most Dexters remain horned?

[cathleenc]

It seems, from photos, that Dexters are allowed to remain horned while most other homestead-type cattle/cows are dehorned. Anyone know what the reason is?

I would think that any Dexters intended for home dairy production would be dehorned while beef Dexters could be left horned - but I am not seeing this reflected in the pics.

a curious
Cathy

[Cliff]

Probably because they are so unique, as well the fact that they're so docile not many ppl are worried about their horns. All ours still have their horns, though we do now have a polled bull which will make the calves next yr polled.

[65284]

I leave the horns on my cows because there is a coyote and "dumped dog" problem here.
Small cows with no horns + tiny newborn calves + maurauding canines = losses. They have some ability to defend their calves with horns, if they have any.

I have had zero problems with the horns in 20 or so years. The only thing I've noticed is the one cow I have, that had been dehorned when I bought, her never gets the last bite of feed in the bunk.

[postroad]

I got my initial stock with horns but I dehorn my calves with paste.

The cows are very docile so I have not felt the need to dehorn them yet.

The bull is also very mild mannered but has been dehorned which is probably a good idea for any bull.

[Wags]

One of my heifers likes to play using her horns - she flips the feed tub up on her head and twirls it around, or wears it like a hat. She would be very bored without her horns.

[SusyTX]

Ours all have horns and we've never had a problem nor have we seen any nasty behavior amongst the cattle themselves with the horns. We also have coyotes, hogs, and the occassional stray dogs, and it's nice to know the horns are an extra layer of protection.

We also find the black-tipped horns absolutely beautiful. When we get the bull who will be our herdsire for quite a while, though, we are considering a polled bull simply because some people prefer polled animals. We'll get some polled calves and some horned calves if we choose this option, of course...which gives us marketing flexibility.

I think, though, that we will always prefer the look of the classic horned Dexter.

[~Tomboy~]

Hi Cathy,

My herd of Dexters is almost all polled, I did keep 2 horned cows from my original stock, because they were my favorites. Dexters are very docile, I was never bruised or injured by my horned stock, but I was always aware of their horns at all times. They know they have horns, and sometimes will use them around a feed bunk or on another animal, heaven forbid possibly a human.
My personal preference would be polled or dehorned.

Barb

[genebo]

Dexters are a rare breed. While recovering, their numbers are still small. Many people choose to preserve the breed in it's original, glorious form.

Horns are much more than an ornament. They're a tool. The animal uses them to defend itself, to scratch itself, to open a bale of hay. It may use them to establish and maintain the "pecking order" in the herd.

Horns are a beautiful adornment. At a glance, an owner can identify his cattle from long distances. They're prized by black powder enthusiasts and scrimshaw artists.

Horns are the brakes when the animal is used as an ox. Horses have to have straps extended around their rumps to stop.

Horns are the gathering place for flies that would otherwise be spread across the face.

Horns are not the greatest danger of cattle. Their great weight and hooves are dangers, too. You must respect the entire animal, not just the most visible feature.

Dexters, with their inherently gentle nature, have coexisted in a close relationship with small land owners for a long, long time. It's a vital part of their charm.

Genebo
Paradise Farm

[prairiegirl]

My favorite little Dexter milk cow has horns. She's very careful with them around me, but like others have said, one must always be aware that the horns are there. She's the smallest of our herd and they are her only defense.


prairiegirl