Tag: breeding
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Line Breeding vs. Inbreeding
I really enjoyed listening to this Chute Side podcast with Dr. Ryan Rathmann on the definitions and nuances of line breeding vs. inbreeding. As a beef producer he favors cross breeding, but I got a lot of good take-aways for my registered/purebred Dexter breeding program. He talks about the benefits line breeding can add to…
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“Dairy Breed” Champion Dexter Bull Atlantic Spratt
Dexter Cattle put a high emphasis on dairy traits and beef traits equally. Thoughtful breeders were honing these Irish cattle to excel in both capacities. One of the ways they were doing this, was by selecting bulls from dams with known milk records. Pedigree information is interesting to reflect on when you see repeated names…
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Embyro Transfers
The basics of Embryo Transfer The “donor dam” is usually a high quality, registered animal. It begins with FSH (Follitropin) injections, to “super ovulate,” ending in Lutalyse, Estrumate or Estridiol to bring her into heat, followed by insemination and flushing. Recipients in my world tend to be virgin heifers, but I’ve had older cows successfully…
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AI Plans vs. Real Life on the Farm
The Naughty Heifer and the Fence That Failed We had a plan. A good one, too. Three cows—technically two cows and one heifer—were supposed to be prepped for AI. Schedules were coordinated, semen was purchased (expensive, carefully chosen semen), and optimism was high. And then… cows happened. Instead, last night I caught the naughty Jersey…
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Genetics of the Dexter Breed
Dwarfing within the Dexter breed is entirely hereditary and does not occur in an individual as a result of a mutation. https://dextercattlesociety.ie/breeding-information
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Embracing Chondrodysplasia in Dexter Cattle: A Compelling Choice for Small Farms
Article written by Dara Dixon as well as photos! Dexter cattle, with their compact size and delightful appearance, are a top choice for small-scale farmers and homesteaders. The chondrodysplasia trait, resulting in shorter legs and a stout build, is a defining feature often criticized but offers significant benefits when managed responsibly. This article counters negative…
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Successfully Prepare Cattle for Breeding
It’s crucial to start preparing for the breeding season at weaning.