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Post by kansasdexters on Aug 3, 2011 12:45:09 GMT -5
Here is another YouTube link on Heren cattle: www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvuTkGshMjA&feature=relatedThe Herens are very close relatives of the Kerry and Dexter cattle breeds. I see many similarities, especially with the Dexter. The Heren cows are small in stature, but very thickly built with short legs and long, deep bodies. They are a mountain breed, noted for their hardiness and their docile nature (towards humans). If you watch the entire video, you can see the special cheeses that are made with the milk from Heren cows. I got a chuckle from the part of the video where the heifer calves are wearing their "trainer bell collars", the small version of what they will hoist around when they grow up! Patti |
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Post by otf on Aug 3, 2011 13:36:56 GMT -5
These are the fighting cows, right?
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Post by kansasdexters on Aug 3, 2011 14:02:51 GMT -5
Yes, the Heren cows are famous for being "Fighting Cows" and for the annual ritual of these cow fights in Switzerland.
Everytime I watch this video I see more similarities with our Dexters. There are very black Heren cows, but there are also some brown-black or almost dark dun or reddish looking animals. There are some with white udders, white tails, and white underline markings. The udders look very substantial on some of these cows and the cheese that is made from their milk is considered to be a great delicacy in their native country.
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Post by kansasdexters on Aug 7, 2011 12:30:33 GMT -5
Here is an especially good video showing the Herens cows walking along a mountain road. You can really see how much they resemble Dexter cattle in this video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Np8_w-B4zHgPatti |
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Post by Olga on Aug 7, 2011 13:05:48 GMT -5
They look so substantial! I mean, they carry a whole lot more meat than U.S. Dexters on average (from what I've seen with my own eyes).
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Post by laughingllama75 on Aug 7, 2011 13:23:56 GMT -5
Ok, I watched both links. Now, my questions: What the Heck? LOL. why are the females aggressive, why fight them (other than $$) Why are they in "feedlot" condition? some seem really beefy.....really beefy! are the bulls as aggressive ( i know bulls generally are, but are these more so?) And lastly, Why the gigantic bells?  I would go mental listening to those all day, those poor cows! |
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Post by laughingllama75 on Aug 7, 2011 13:55:47 GMT -5
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Post by thecatzpajamas on Aug 7, 2011 15:53:50 GMT -5
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Post by laughingllama75 on Aug 7, 2011 17:18:47 GMT -5
LOL, that was a good one!  |
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Post by kansasdexters on Aug 7, 2011 19:33:19 GMT -5
Here is another good video on the Herens cows: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qua1yAU1Asw&NR=1Keep in mind that what you are watching are the finalists in the competition. They are the most mature, heaviest, and best condition females that have won in the highest weight class. They are also pregnant (in most cases), since they calve primarily in the Fall. They have been on summer pasture in the Alps for months and their body condition reflects that. We have Dexters in our pasture that fight just like these Herens cows do, whenever a new female is introduced to the herd. Fina Muirstead and Gracious Muirstead are two of the most aggressive females (towards any new cows) and they are also two of our most affectionate and gentle Dexters (they can be milked without restraint and they can be haltered in the field and lead anywhere we want to take them). They are like "mini-Herens" in many ways. Patti |
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Post by laughingllama75 on Aug 7, 2011 21:30:27 GMT -5
This is so interesting, what else is out there that I don't know about? LOL. I am still so amazed at the huge collars and bells. I would like to know more about why they are so big (wide and heavy). Reminds me of Livestock guarddian dogs, in other countries. the bigger the collar (spikes, etc) is to fend of predators etc. But the collars on these "Queens", they look like they would impede movement such as grazing. Huh. I dont know......
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dexterlady
member
Wife, mother of two daughters and five grand children
Posts: 647
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Post by dexterlady on Aug 7, 2011 22:04:14 GMT -5
Real interesting Patty. I sure like the butts on those cows. Wish Dexters had butts like that! Donna
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Post by kansasdexters on Aug 8, 2011 10:53:05 GMT -5
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Post by laughingllama75 on Aug 8, 2011 11:22:17 GMT -5
Wow, that was a white tail, you werent kidding! LOL. Dang, those "hills" made me glad I wasnt the one doing fencing! gulp.
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I would go mental listening to those all day, those poor cows!
