Dexter Cattle For Sale Discussion Board

Posted: **Thu Oct 06, 2005 9:56 pm**

Please could someone offer me some advice?
I have all non-short cows and heifers. I also have a non-short bull. Now, I am not hoping to breed for the show-ring, but for the dual-purpose cow that Dexters are reknowned for.
There are a couple of my heifers that are showable (next year), so I hope to meet some of you on the show circuit.
However, back to the point. I have been told that putting a non-short bull to a non-short cow is a no-no.
I have just read the posts about Chondroplaysia testing / bulldog gene etc. What risks, if any, am I undertaking with my bull and cows/heifers?
Can anyone enlighten me, please. All advice / criticisms gratefully received.
Thanks......Cat. ???

Posted: **Thu Oct 06, 2005 10:17 pm**

If you breed two nonshort parents you are 100% safe from getting bulldogs, and you will not get any short legged calves either.
If one of the parents is short and the other long, ie carrier and non-carrier, you will get 50% long and 50% short calves, but no bulldogs.
If both partents are short, ie carriers, you will get 25% long, 50% short, and 25% bulldogs.

These are the statistical probabilities, and with small herds you may not find that these are the numbers you get - just as you can toss a coin several times and get only heads or only tails. But over a number of calvings the figures will be near enough.

Remember if both your bull and the cows are non-carrier ie long, you will be at no risk for bulldogs, and will only get long calves like the parents.

If you simply want to avoid bulldog risk, why not get your bull tested and then it does not matter what type your cows are? But if you are sure all your cows are long and you are not going to buy in any shorts, there is no risk.

Duncan

Posted: **Thu Oct 06, 2005 11:26 pm**

Thank you very much Duncan.
Have seen some pictures of bulldog calves, and was horrified, and a little worried. My mind is now at rest.
Thanks
Cat.

Dexter Cattle For Sale Discussion Board

Short / Non-Short - Please Advise.