Average Breeding life of a Dexter Cow?

[arlen]

What are your experiences with lifespan and breeding life of an average Dexter beef cow. From my experiences with Hereford/Angus mixes, it's about 12 years, so about 10 calves-12 if your lucky.
Everyone says Dexters go longer. How much longer on average?

[Olga]

One of the larger breeders could provide averages. In my limited experience a 17 y.o. was cycling regularly and was able to breed back; another at late 19 y.o. was cycling regularly but was unable to breed back. Maxine turned 11 this year and I don't even think of her as old.

[dexterfarm]

my oldest is 17 and she just calved this summer.

[midhilldexters]

There may be a difference between carrier and non carrier animals, most of the older ones I have heard of have been non carrier and aged 17-20.

Carol K

[cddexter]

You can check out Rosegay at 19 with her 17th calf on the Photo Album Dexter Udder thread.

I used to run about 60-70 head, and I've had them become infertile anywhere from 14 to 20. Those were all non-dwarf.

I've heard of some dwarfs still breeding at 22, and one dwarf still alive at 30, but these are exceptions. C.

[arlen]

Good information. I will tell my 9 year old cow that she is still young.

[copperhead]

Jade was 12 and a half and had 10 calves to her legacy, she got sick and we had to put her down, but compared to large breed cattle, Dexters have it way over them. Most of the large breeds are old at 9 or 10, broken mouthed and ready for the killer market

[Clive]

I calve mine up to 14-15 (i.e. last time to the bull at 13-14), never tried it any longer than that. Those are non-shorts, not had a short myself that has gone on that long.

[ssrdex]

Clive
Reason why the cut-off?