Dexter Cattle For Sale Discussion Board

Posted: **Thu Mar 10, 2005 12:35 am**

Hi all,

I am new to this site new to keeping stock and sometimes feel a little out of my depthwhen reading so many postings on stuff I hadn't even concidered (although I did ensure the TB test was clear on our girls and all clear on the rest of the herd.

We have a small holding in Norfolk only been here since May last year and have had to do a lot of prep work on the land and building accomodation for our animals. At the moment we have 2 Dexter heifers, hopefully in calf, also a Large Black sow with her litter of 10 piglets born 3 weeks ago and of course the small holders favorite 'chickens'.

Our Dexter's in more detail, picked them up November last year with pedigree certificates they are black, now named Martha and of course Daisy not sure how to tell if they are short or non short they both look short to me but not seen many to compare and the certificates and passport don't specify, they had been running with a pedigree Bull for 3 months before we took charge no guarentee of service given! when will I be able to tell if they are pregnant? Martha the 4year old is quite round. They both seem very happy here lots of grass still available (unless under snow) and although a little on the wild side when they first arrived they are quite tame now and enjoy nudging me gently when I'm in the field. Do I need to suppliment the grass and hay diet with any other sort of feed? if so any suggestions as to what? they enjoy the odd carrot and apple hope these are ok, and Martha's toe nails are looking a bit long any advice on when and how best to trim? is it another job for the pro or can I do it?

Im sure I will be posting again soon great site an asset for any Dexter owner.

Sarah.
:D

Posted: **Thu Mar 10, 2005 7:56 pm**

Hello Sarah,
I wonader if contacting your nearest Dexter group or Field Advisor would be a good idea? If there are other breeders near you that could be a good boost to knowledge and confidence. They may also be able to give more relevant advice on things like grazing quality.
If your cows are in calf your vet should be able to tell by a rectal ex;amination now, or if there are cattel scanning services available locally they may help. You vet should also be able to advise and do hoof trimming if need be.
I notice you refer to the bull as "Pedigree" - always remember that being pedigree and registered are not the same thing.
The seller of the cows should provide you with a certificate to go with the registration card for a new calf - if they do not know the exact day of service it may just say thet the bull so and so ran with such and such a cow from (date) to (date). This needs to accompany the registration form to the DCS if you wish to register the calves. Of course you should join the DCS if you have not already done so. The bulletin will be another excellent source of info for you.
Good luck with your new enterprise,

Duncan

Posted: **Thu Mar 10, 2005 11:15 pm**

You would be well advise to give the cows a mineral lick or molassed feed block. Probably a universal AND high magnesium.
Duncan is spot on about watching for the "Pedigree" notation. Whilst this is probably fine if you are to eat the offspring - "Registered" stock gives you the option of selling for breeding as well as beef.
There is a "Central Group" covering the East Anglian area and I'm almost sure that there is a meeting in April in Bedfordshire. In the mean time you would be more than welcome to come and look at the longs, oops sorry non-shorts and shorts in my herd. I am near Royston (Cambs/Herts border)

Posted: **Fri Mar 11, 2005 2:58 pm**

Hi Sarah,

I live just over the Suffolk border near Halesworth, have kept Dexters for 20 years and would be very happy to visit your smallholding, if you are not too far away, to help you identify whether you have short or non-short etc. My direct email is mindenho@ukgateway.net
Erica

Posted: **Fri Mar 11, 2005 9:03 pm**

Ted Neal wrote:You would be well advise to give the cows a mineral lick or molassed feed block. Probably a universal AND high magnesium.

Hi Ted,

I note with interest that you advise a mineral supplement for heifers. Do you find this necessary in your own cattle? We manage our Dexters organically (though not registered), and though we once supplemented their diet with minerals, we no longer do, as they have no deficiencies in their natural diet. I might be looking for it in older or intensively reared cattle, but not in heifers.

Sarah,

As far as the advice goes, joining the local group & DCS is an excellent idea, and Erica's offer will be great, so I won't attempt adding to that. However, your Large Black sow with her litter- is she registered pedigree & if so, I'd be interested to know which breeding 'line' she is of?

Rob

Posted: **Sun Mar 13, 2005 10:39 pm**

Hi Rob
I find that cattle usually know what they need. I "feed" minerals via a mineral lick and find that they will take it as they need it. One block can last months. I have used a slow release magnesium bolus on the suckling cows. For a faster uptake I use a molassed feed block. I do feel it is essential for the well being of all ages that minerals in some form be available
Kind regards
ted

Posted: **Sun Mar 20, 2005 11:17 pm**

Thank you all so much for your advice, its good to know there is help around. I am in the process of filling out the paperwork to register the Hiefers with the DCS I do have all the bits of card and paper just got to get them all copied and sent. will check out our local farm supplier for best recommended mineral lick, will also be seeking pasture advice from local dairy farm.

Rob,
Large Black sow is registared = Baylham Julia 7, dam =Stoughton Julia 4, sire = Milton Majestic 2. Very new to pigs too so still learning about all this paperwork let me know if thats all you need.

I never imagined all these animals would have so much paperwork!

Erica, Thanks for offer I will email you direct and send you directions. You are about 45 mins away I am 5 miles north of Diss.

Thanks again Sarah

Posted: **Mon Mar 21, 2005 9:55 am**

Hi Sara,
I have mineral blocks available at all times, there are deficiencies in all types of pasture. Cattle will only only use it if they need to. I can think of nothing worse than a post mortem that informs you that a simple mineral block could have prevented a death.
Martin

Dexter Cattle For Sale Discussion Board

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