help in IDing a true dual porpose dexter

[sticky_burr]

with out a detailed history how does one tell if it is a dual or been breed milky or beefy

[copperhead46]

If you don't have the genetic back ground, about the only way to tell is by her looks. Milky types look more like a dairy animal, and of course beef type will be heaverier muscled and square off in the hips and shoulders.

[genebo]

A dual purpose Dexter is one that makes good beef and can be milked. They'll all do that.

The beefiest Dexters look a little like Angus or Hereford. Big wide rumps and deep chests. Lots of muscle. That's what we eat.

The milkiest Dexters look more like Jerseys or Holsteins. Big udders and prominent hips.

The average Dexter will fall somewhere in between. Lots of flesh and a well formed udder.

You can't go too far wrong. Even the milkiest Dexter isn't going to produce as much milk as a Jersey, but she'll give more and better beef. Even the beefiest Dexter will still give more milk than the calf can use and the rest is for you.

The best plan I know of calls for the farmer to milk a gallon a day from his Dexter (they can almost all do that) and then let the calf have the rest. If there's a lot of milk left, the calf will grow like a weed. If there's too much left, she'll adjust her production.

Then, when the calf is old enough, eat it. Ummmm, delicious. If it's from a beefy mama and daddy, it will be well muscled by genetics. If it's from a milky mama and daddy, it will be well muscled due to having been raised and fed well. If it's from a dual purpose line, it will be well muscled and delicious.

Win, win, win.