Listed below are some things that buyers, especially those new to the breed need to know when purchasing their first registered Dexters. Once you’ve agreed to a purchase, buyers need to be aware of the documentation they should be receiving from the sellers of the cattle. Many new buyers run into a lot of issues, because they don’t know what documents they may need & therefore they don’t know what to ask for. Sellers of registered Dexters should be providing the proper documentation for the buyers of their animals. The buyer will want to be able to register offspring from the cattle they purchase and will need copies of the sire and dam’s genetic testing and case numbers to be able to parent verify the offspring. The following tips are needed, once you have decided on an animal to purchase.
- Assuming the buyer is purchasing registered Dexters, they should ask where the Dexter is registered & what is their registration number so that they can look the animal up on the appropriate pedigree page.
- If buying an ADCA registered animal, the first owner of the Dexter at birth is the ONLY person who can test and register the animal. Don’t buy an animal that has not been tested & registered by the seller, if you are wanting a registered Dexter. You will not be able to do it yourself.
- Seeing and getting a copy of genetic testing is very important for buyers to be able to test and register future calves. Ask to see the animals test results and get a copy of them or at the very least get the case number on the form. You will need this information in the future to test your calves, before registering. We always give copies of the testing on animals we sell.
- A PDCA and Legacy animal may be able to be registered with the ADCA, if ADCA requirements are met.
- If you want your purchased cattle tested for certain diseases such as Brucellosis, TB, etc. ask if it has been done. If not, ask if the seller is willing to do that and who will cover that expense. This testing is if you ware wanting it for your personal use. It is not required to register.
- If the Dexter is being transported across state lines, it likely will need a health certificate from a veterinarian. Different states have different requirements, and your vet should know that info or be able to get it.
- If purchasing a bred heifer or cow, do you want to ask for a positive pregnancy test?
- If purchasing a young bull, not yet of breeding age the vet will likely list him as a virgin bull on the health certificate. If purchasing a mature bull, a trich test will need to be done.
- What form of ID does the animal have? 840tag, tattoo, metal ear clip or Brucellosis tag?
- If you live in or are purchasing from a state with brand inspections, ask about those.
When picking up your Dexter, you should leave with these documents from the seller:
Sales Contract – showing purchase price paid, ID of animal or registration number, any pertinent testing, any vaccines, worming or treatments given.
Copies of the animals genetic testing from Texas A&M or UC Davis. This is VERY IMPORTANT. All future calves will need to be parent verified before registration. At the very least, write down the case numbers, if you can’t get copies. You will need to know which lab, the sire and dam of your animal are tested at and if possible, get their case numbers. This is where many run into trouble. They can’t find the parents’ case numbers.
Vet Health Certification for travel, if required with animals ID info.
A pregnancy test, if requested.
A trich test, if purchasing a mature bull.
Brand inspection, if applicable.
Last but not least, please try and keep up with the testing of your calves each year. It will be much easier on you.
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