Dairy

Article I

Fact or Fiction

This is the first of our articles on chondrodysplasia in Dexters. Also called chondro-carriers, shorties, or dwarfs. these terms refer to the same cattle, and will be interspersed throughout the article. Keep in mind, they all mean cattle who are carriers of the dwarf gene.

Per Miriam Webster chondro means cartilage & dysplasia is an abnormal growth or development.

It’s a personal decision to breed chondro carrier Dexters. Of course, it’s your decision what to breed on your farm. But, let’s sort out some of the facts on these endearing little cattle.

Some long time breeders have told me that they believe the dwarf Dexters played an instrumental part in the formation of the breed, as the non-chondro, longer legged Dexters got registered in with the Kerry cattle. They also believe that there are two body types in the dwarves. That will be discussed in a later article.

Just a few of the traits and statements that those who own and experience the pleasures of owning a dwarf believe.

• “Chondros are the breed. If we lose them we lose the breed.”
• “Maximum beef on minimum forage.”
• Personalities are one of a kind
• Great mothers
• High milk production
• Great for first time cattle owners
• Of course, breed responsibly. Never breed two carriers together and you will never get a bulldog calf. (If you did, the chance is only 25%, but why risk it?)

Those that I see exaggerating & spreading the hate for chondro carriers are using human graphics from the internet and applying their own labels. I have found no professional veterinary opinion stating they should be eliminated. Of course, none of those who love them would want or allow them to suffer. Many Dexters I know of are living into their teens. How many commercial breeds do you see living that long?

Some dwarfs will get osteoarthritis later in life. So will some non-chondros. A lot depends on the bloodlines, the terrain they live on and the care they receive. This also applies to the longer legged non-chondros. Humans also tend to get osteoarthritis later in life. They also can get forms of dwarfism. We don’t eradicate them. It can be managed, IF it happens.

So, please…. educate yourself on this genetic mutation, before you make a judgement.

The following is a scientific explanation from UC Davis. We choose the BD1 test, when we get any calves from our carriers. The BD2 test is for a specific line from a specific bull.