Domestic Cow, Dexter (Bos taurus)
Taxonomy
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Cordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Artiodctyla
Family: Bovidae
Genus: Bos
Species: Bos taurus
Livestock Conservancy Conservation Status
Recovering
Range and Habitat
The Dexter originated in southern Ireland in the early 1800s and imported to North American beginning around 1910. They are capable of living in both hot and cold climates and do well outdoors year round.
Physical Features
Weight: Males up to 1,000lbs (455 kg); Females 600-700lbs (273-318 kg)
Height at shoulders: Males 36-50in (0.9-1.3m); Females 34-46in (0.86-1.2m)
Dexters are one of the smallest cattle breeds with a solid compact appearance. Most are black with some being red or dun (gray-gold) in coloration. Two conformations are found within the breed: cattle that are proportionally small and those that have normal bodies with very short legs. The short-legged version produce non-viable offspring and are not that common.
Diet
A mixture of grass, alfalfa, and grains.
Lifespan
Dexter cattle can live 17-18 years.
Reproduction
Cows are social living in groups called herds. The herd is led by one dominant male that mates with the females. Gestation is approximately nine months with one calf being born. Calves are precocial and able to stand and recognized their mother soon after birth. Calves nurse for six months and reach sexual maturity by one year.
Social Behavior and Interaction
Herds are structured in a dominance hierarchy with calves adopting their mother’s status. Males (bulls) maintain dominance until defeated by another bull. Females share parental care.
Major Threats
Humans.