Height yet again!
Four years ago when we researched what kind of cow would suit our little farm, both my husband and I decided on Dexters. This was based on reading everything available to us via the internet, mainly. Every Dexter Association, wordwide talks about their 'compact' dual purpose even 'tri-' as oxen. Although we had no need for that. Every Association also agreed (within cenimeters really) on the 'ideal' height and proportionate weight. We understood the difference between short-leg and long, or so we thought; short leg must be at the bottom end of the spectrum and long leg towards the top! Obviously, we didn't get it at all! Our two house cows are half sisters, roughly the same genetics from the same herd: one 40", roughly 600 -650 lbs and the other 46" ~ 900 -1000 lbs. I still thought the 46" cow was some blip in the genetics, until I posted it here. Our 40" cow gives about 2/3 the milk of the 46" with less than half the input or output (feed and manure for those of that are not talking gov't stalking rates!) Experiencing the two, the smaller is what we were after when we sought out the breed. I don't want to make them 'miniatures' or freakish, I just thought that they were supposed to be smaller and the ideal of most associations, was actually a reality. Having said all this, a lot I know, I didn't realize that height was such a contentious issue. I thought my girl was a bit of a blip and really just wanted to know if there were any natural early markers, so that I could cull responsibly. Back to the cannon bone.....(kidding) Liz