Dexter Bull calf - what can I do with him?

[Windswept Hill]

Three of our Dexters calved this past spring. The third and most recent calf is a boy. I bought these cows already 'bagging' and we presently have no bull on the premises except for little 'Lamont'. I realize it will be a while before he can mate. What is the accepted practice with regard to inbreeding? I would like to get the girls bred again before the winter so I may try AI unless I can find a dehorned black Dexter bull for sale or rent before then.

I would also like to dehorn him and his calfmates. I have this 'Dr. Naylor' dehorning paste. Has anyone used this?

We are located in Eastern NY state near the PA border. Finally squeezed in some haying this past week - glad THAT is over for now.

Thanks.

[tinknal]

Whack his little knackers off and make some beef.

As for breeding, AI or rent a bull. Three cows doesn't justify owning a bull, with all of their inherent problems.

[G. Seddon]

I agree with tinknal. Wonderful beef! Or you could sell him at weaning to someone who wants to finish their own steer.

Dexters are a HORNED breed! Yes, they can be dehorned, but please do this only on very young animals. Get some supervision on using the paste if you're going to do this for the first time or have your vet do it.

You can find a list of AI bulls on the ADCA website (www.dextercattle.org). If you are near any dairies, they may have an AI tech on staff who could help you regarding storing semen, heat detection, synchronization (not always easy with Dexters).

The easiest way is to use live cover with a bull, but not all bull owners are willing to send their bulls to someone else's farm or take in unknown cows without some sort of testing and vaccinations on board.

[Tall Grille]

If you really don't know what to do with it I'll take it off your hands. I've been wanting to raise a Dexter or lowline angus for beef.

[copperhead46]

First question, inbreeding or line breeding is an acepted practice, IF, the animal is a good speciman and doesn't have any bad traits. When you in- breed you take the good qualities and magnifiy them but you also take the bad qualities and magnify them too, Line breeding is good, but you have to be willing to cull any inferior animals.
Second, He won't be big enough to breed them this year, find a good AI bull. I personally always keep a bull, even when I only had 3 cows, they do a much better job for me, but, I have enough pens and fences to handle one. As to the de-horning paste, it works great, just follow the instructions, to the letter!! It needs to be done within 10 or 14 days, something like that. You will need a pen to keep him seperate for the day, so that he doesn't get the paste on his momma and burn her. I cover mine with duct tape, too. good luck with him., (and they do make a wonderfull beef for the family freezer.)
P.J.