Congratulations on Your New Dexter Cattle!

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Thank you for choosing a Dexter from Ebenezer Farms! Our cattle are carefully selected for their excellent temperament, sound genetics, and overall quality. We raise registered Dexter cattle with A2/A2 genetics, making them an excellent choice for homesteads, family farms, and breeding programs. This guide will help your new Dexter settle into its new home and thrive for years to come.

 

Feeding

Calves

If you’ve purchased a bottle calf, continue feeding according to the schedule provided at pickup.

Always:

• Feed warm milk or milk replacer.

• Use clean bottles or calf nipples.

• Monitor your calf’s appetite and weight gain daily.

Offer fresh water, quality hay, and calf starter grain as your calf begins eating solid feed.

 

Weaned Cattle

Once weaned, Dexter cattle thrive on:

• High-quality pasture

• Good-quality grass hay

• Fresh, clean water

• Free-choice loose cattle mineral

Supplemental grain may be offered depending on age, body condition, pregnancy, lactation, or production goals.

 

Water

Fresh, clean water should always be available.

Adult cattle can consume a significant amount of water each day, especially during hot weather or while lactating. Check water sources daily to ensure they remain clean and full.

 

Minerals

Provide a quality free-choice cattle mineral formulated for your region.

Proper minerals support:

• Growth

• Reproduction

• Hoof health

• Immune function

• Milk production

Consult your local feed supplier or veterinarian for mineral recommendations specific to your area.

 

Housing

Provide your cattle with:

• A sturdy shelter from severe weather

• Shade during hot summer months

• Wind protection during winter

• Dry areas for resting

• Secure fencing

Dexters are hardy cattle and spend much of their time grazing but still appreciate shelter during extreme weather.

 

Pasture Management

Dexter cattle are efficient grazers and perform well on pasture.

For healthy pastures:

• Rotate grazing areas regularly.

• Avoid overgrazing.

• Rest paddocks when possible.

• Monitor forage availability throughout the growing season.

Good pasture management benefits both your cattle and your land.

 

Health Care

Observe your cattle every day.

Contact your veterinarian if you notice:

• Loss of appetite

• Fever

• Persistent diarrhea

• Coughing

• Difficulty breathing

• Lameness

• Eye injuries or excessive tearing

• Sudden weight loss

Work with your veterinarian to develop a vaccination, parasite control, and herd health program appropriate for your area.

 

Hoof Care

Most Dexter cattle naturally wear their hooves on pasture.

However, periodically inspect hooves for:

• Cracks

• Overgrowth

• Injury

• Signs of lameness

Some cattle may require trimming depending on their environment.

 

Parasite Management

Healthy pasture management helps reduce parasite pressure.

To help protect your herd:

• Rotate pastures.

• Avoid overcrowding.

• Monitor body condition.

• Watch for weight loss or rough hair coats.

• Work with your veterinarian on a deworming plan appropriate for your region.

 

Heat & Cold Weather

Dexter cattle are known for their hardiness but still benefit from proper seasonal care.

During summer:

• Provide shade.

• Ensure unlimited clean water.

• Watch for signs of heat stress.

During winter:

• Provide wind protection.

• Increase hay as needed to help maintain body condition.

• Ensure water remains unfrozen.

 

Socialization

Dexter cattle are intelligent, calm, and naturally curious animals.

They thrive when:

• Handled regularly.

• Given consistent routines.

• Raised with other cattle.

• Treated calmly and respectfully.

Never keep a single cow alone if it can be avoided. Cattle are herd animals and are happiest with companions.

 

Common Health Concerns

Scours (Calves)

Young calves may develop diarrhea from stress, sudden feed changes, or illness. Keep calves hydrated and contact your veterinarian if symptoms persist.

Pinkeye

Watch for excessive tearing, squinting, or cloudy eyes, particularly during fly season.

Bloat

Rapid consumption of lush pasture or excessive grain can lead to bloat. Introduce feed changes gradually and seek veterinary care immediately if bloat is suspected.

Heat Stress

Provide shade and plenty of water during hot weather. Watch for excessive panting or lethargy.

 

Supplies We Recommend

Before bringing your Dexter home, we recommend having:

• ✓ High-quality grass hay

• ✓ Free-choice cattle mineral

• ✓ Fresh water trough

• ✓ Secure fencing

• ✓ Livestock thermometer

• ✓ Feed bunk or hay feeder

• ✓ Basic first-aid supplies

• ✓ Fly control products during summer

 

Helpful Tips

• Handle your cattle regularly to build trust.

• Keep feeding routines consistent.

• Rotate pastures whenever possible.

• Observe your cattle every day for changes in behavior or health.

• Maintain accurate health and breeding records.

• Provide companionship whenever possible, as cattle thrive in a herd environment.

 

About A2/A2 Dexter Cattle

At Ebenezer Farms, our Dexter cattle are A2/A2 tested, meaning they produce milk containing only the A2 beta-casein protein. Some people who have difficulty digesting conventional milk find A2 milk easier to enjoy, although individual experiences vary.

Dexters are also one of the smallest heritage cattle breeds, making them an excellent choice for homesteads, small farms, and families looking for a versatile dual-purpose breed known for quality beef, rich milk, and gentle dispositions.

 

We’re Here to Help

Purchasing a Dexter from Ebenezer Farms means you’re part of our farm family. If you ever have questions about feeding, housing, pasture management, breeding, or general cattle care, we’re always happy to help.

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Ebenezer Farms
Preston, Idaho

📧 info@ebenezerfarms.com
🌐 www.ebenezerfarms.com

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We hope you enjoy many wonderful years with your Dexter cattle!