A small amount of white ...

[tonyhb]

The UK Breed Standards say concerning white on bulls "a small amount on the organs of generation and in the tassel of the tail" is allowable. The photo is of a 3 month old bull calf registered in NZ. The breeding behind it is very good.
Would these white hairs be considered a serious genetic fault (is white likely to be passed on to daughters significantly because of this) or is this just cosmetically undesirable?
In NZ white is only allowed on testicles otherwise the animal must be flagged with an asterisk in the herd register.

--Tony

[Mark Bowles]

Organs of generation acceptable.....can't tell how much white is there really, personally i would not use it unless the bull is proper top quality.

[LISA]

The UK Breed standard says "Wholly Black, Wholly Red, Wholly Dun. A little white will not disqualify but must be limited to, ON bulls-a small amount on the organs of generation, and in the tassel of the tail.
On Cows-a small amount on the udder and underline, in the tassel of the tail, and on the vulva."

I personally cannot stand white, especially on bulls. They could potentially breed 100's of offspring, most of whom will have white, or their offspring will. Dexters are not exactly low in numbers, why purposefully breed a FAULT in!

If the breed standard is the ideal Dexter, then aim for that - WHOLLY BLACK.

Snip,Snip decision made!

This is bound to be a good controversial one for the Christmas holidays, I am not dreaming of a "white" Christmas!!!

Merry Christmas to all, whatever colour preferance you have.

Lisa Bell -consumer of quite a bit of Baileys this evening!!!

[Kate]

Dear Lisa

I love your sense of humor - I agree with you no white then no problem ! Saying that I have no white in my herd but this year a heifer born with odd white hairs on her nose !!!!! It must be the French air !! Let's hope not ! Merry christmas to all from the other side of the channel ! Kate P

[Saffy]

My first dexter calf ever was born with a small white star on his head I was mortified, he was however the tightest packed calf in the womb, I have ever come across and the middle of his head was firmly against a pelvic bone, I couldn't turn it to "face out" for him to be born and neither could the vet, so he did a caesarian. Well a few weeks later he had a wholly black head, I could not believe my eyes, the white hair must have been caused by the pressure!!!

Stephanie