Dexter performance testing

[djdewetsa]

In SA we do performance testing on our Dexters.
The current figures for 2012 (SA Stud book Annual Logix Beef Report 2012)

Feed Conversion rate 5,73 kg feed to convert to 1kg meat (3rd best of all other breeds in SA)

Weaning Calf weight ratio against mothers weight 55,9% (calves is average 55,9% of mothers weight) Best of all cattle breeds in SA.

Marbling score of 3,4% which is pretty good.

(So why do big cattle farmers still think you cant farm with Dexter?)

(Danie de Wet, Innovation Dexters, Bloemfontein, South Africa)

[carragheendexters]

Hi Danie,
thankyou for posting those statistics. This is what it should all be about, whether our Dexters are performing or not. Here in Australia we can keep our own statistics, but nothing formal as you all do.
I know in SA, Dexter breeders breed for performance, not only meat but also milk. Some of your cows milk production and udders are amazing, other countries Dexter breeders should be taking note of what is happening over there in SA.
Many Dexters in other countries cannot compare in performance as yours do, as they are not selected for milking ability or for meat production, they are selected for other traits instead. Very few Dexter people milk their cows.
Impressive.
Danie, do you have any milking herd recording statistics at all?

regards Louise (Australia)

[cddexter]

Hi Danie: great to hear from you.

Is Piet Wilke still around? (Pikinini stud), he was the Dean of Ag at OFSU in Bloemfontein, and what about Manie Oberholzer? cheers, carol Davidson.

[tonhou]

Danie, this is some of the most interesting hard data that I have seen. All sorts of claims can be made about a breed but this seems to show real advantages for Dexters compared to other breeds in meat quality, growth rates (weaning data), efficiency of feed conversion. Like Louise I wonder if there is any info about milk?

--Tony

[djdewetsa]

Hi
Sorry for coming back only now. Its now planting season as well. Luckily the maize or mielies like we call them has sprouted and rains had fallen so everything looks good so far.
Prof Piet Wilke stopped with the Dexters - Know he started sometime ago with the belties - dont know what he is doing now.
Manie is before my time so dont know him.

Yes - everywhere people talk with no hard evidence. Strange some farmers still dont belief it although the evidence is right in front of them.
Sold a bull that I bred that had a feed conversion rate of 5,46 which is exceptional (I think I must look up the people I sold him too and buy him back)

I have a new website running www.innovationdexters.com or a blog www.landbou.com/jou-mening/boereblogs/dexter-beeste-vir-die-toekoms/ however is in afrikaans so maybe the internet translators will do the job.

Unfortunately milking statistics are not up to scratch or many out there. I know 2 dexter breeders that milks commercially which is outstanding but they dont keep records. I ordered 6 heifers from one guy.

I breed more to the beef side as there are not enough time for milking as well. However a cow with a lot of milks always has the nicest calves. The udder and milk must never be left behind.

So hope you have a good Christmass time.
Cheers Danie

[djdewetsa]

PS you can work out your own FCR
When weaning the calves put them separate in paddocks.
When feeding them you must weight the food he eat and each week you can weight them.
First 30 days is to climate to the feed (sorry dont know the right word)
Then feed them for 60 days (Is the same amount of days that feedlot feeds animals 90day)
Then its a normal mathematics feed versus weight gain.
Anything below 6kg feed for 1kg growth is good
However the feed must be of good quality , enough protein but NO hormones or steroids.
Then you can start a revolution:)