Dexter or Lowline Angus

[BryanG]

I am new to the forum and have been trying to decide between Dexters or Lowline Angus. I will have around 5 acres, here in Florida, to work with and I want something to put in the freezer and to sell. Unfortunately price is a consideration in the beginning. I'm not sure if I want to get breeders or just buy some to feed up and turn over. Polled is preferred, but isn't a deal breaker since I know some Dexters are horned. That isn't a huge consideration. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Crazy Acres]

I prefer Dexters, but I don't no much about lowline Angus. I didn't know about polled Dexters? Horns can be a pro and a con:
Pros
-They are the best weapon of defense the animals possess.

Cons
-They are the best weapon of defense the animals possess.

Horns can help thwart of wolves, but can also thwart of the Milkmaid!

 

[CAMilkmaid]

I raise Dexters, so of course I recommend them.

Lowlines are just for beef. Dexters are dual or triple purpose. That increases your chances of finding a buyer. Plus the beef is the best tasting. I'm also guessing that it takes less to feed a Dexter and/or that they convert feed more efficiently.

Kim

ps My Dexters are horned and I milk them. They never threaten me with their horns.

 

[Crazy Acres]

Ours don't threaten us either, but you have tto be careful that you're not in the way when they go to itch or lick or shake there heads.

 

[LocustGroveFarm]

We just purchased 2 lowlines from a reputable breeder and showman, hoping/planning to pick them up this weekend. We liked their size, how quiet they were. There are a few people milking them, but not many, as they are mainly a beef breed, but I think we might try it, game for anything once. We could find lowlines a lot easier then the dexters, I don't do horns at all, and the lowlines were more marketable to both small farms and commercial guys.

 

[HallFamilyPoultry-Jim]

With 5 acres and you just want to raise for slaughter, I would suggest a standard breed like Angus, Charlois or a cross. Get a bull calf, steer it and raise to slaughter size. You can actually slaughter it when its younger/smaller than full grown. It would be cheaper to buy and still get good feed conversion.

 

[BryanG]

Thanks for the responses everyone. I did consider a full size Angus, but I am also looking to help myself out on the property taxes. To get the Greenbelt exemption I have to show that I am trying to turn a profit. That's why I wanted to go smaller.

 

[carolinagirl]

An older, finished Dexter steer will have smaller bones (and therefore more meat) than a similar sized but younger standard breed steer. I think you are on the right track.