Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2007 4:26 pm
Have a look at the prices on www.tomtownsend-toyland.com on the miniature cattle page. This time they are Highland x Dexter crosses with some typical short-leg/dwarf calves.
How are we going to contemplate eradicating the Dexter dwarfism if there is apparently an ongoing demand for these little things? The point has previously been made with regard to poorer quality stock that market forces will prevail & if they don't sell they won't be bred. However if pedigree herds eradicate the short-leg dwarf are we not going to leave the market wide open to unscrupulous breeders of non-pedigree or cross-bred stock to clean up?
Maybe it can only happen in America, but at $3000 a calf I'd start looking at the export market!
Personally, I think I'd rather breed these little cuties for sale at those sort of prices than go to all the hassle of growing and marketing beef.
Devil's advocate now hands over.
How are we going to contemplate eradicating the Dexter dwarfism if there is apparently an ongoing demand for these little things? The point has previously been made with regard to poorer quality stock that market forces will prevail & if they don't sell they won't be bred. However if pedigree herds eradicate the short-leg dwarf are we not going to leave the market wide open to unscrupulous breeders of non-pedigree or cross-bred stock to clean up?
Maybe it can only happen in America, but at $3000 a calf I'd start looking at the export market!
Personally, I think I'd rather breed these little cuties for sale at those sort of prices than go to all the hassle of growing and marketing beef.
Devil's advocate now hands over.
