Dexter Cattle
Dexter cattle are one of the world’s smallest heritage breeds—compact, hardy, and incredibly efficient on limited acreage. Originally from Ireland, these gentle, dual-purpose animals are ideal for new homesteaders who want real milk and beef without the space or feed requirements of standard-size cattle.
Dexters are easy to manage, thrive on forage, and are known for their calm disposition and dependable calving. Whether you’re dreaming of raw milk, pasture-raised beef, or simply building a more resilient food system for your family, Dexters are the perfect breed to start with—and grow with.
At Wild & Free Homestead, we prioritize breeding for small farm success: calm temperaments, efficient size, and proven genetics. We raise both horned and polled animals and work intentionally with rare color traits like Wild Red and Dun, always with an eye toward long-term health and homestead value.
Dexter milk is often praised by homesteaders and small farms for its digestibility. While much of this is anecdotal, a few scientific points are worth noting:
1. Smaller Milk Fat Globules?
There’s a common belief that Dexter cattle produce milk with smaller fat globules, potentially making their milk easier to digest. While size can vary by breed, there is limited direct peer-reviewed data on Dexter-specific fat globule size. However, it’s well-documented that smaller fat globules are generally easier to emulsify and digest.
2. A2 vs A1 Milk—What Does It Really Mean?
The A2 protein variant of beta-casein is often marketed as easier to digest, especially for people with dairy sensitivities. Some consumers report reduced symptoms when switching to A2 milk. However, a growing body of research challenges the original marketing claims.
The A2 milk trend was significantly driven by the A2 Corporation, which also funded much of the early research. While newer, independent studies have found some differences in gastrointestinal response, they emphasize that A1 vs A2 effects vary person to person and should not be confused with lactose intolerance.
At Wild & Free Homestead, we use Neogen’s Igenity® Milk Proteins test ($16), a USDA-approved tool, to identify beta-casein variants in our Dexter herd. This test determines whether a cow carries the A1 or A2 allele, along with additional traits for cream, cheese, milk.
ADCA currently does not accept Neogen results, which limits breeder participation in open-source genetic tracking.
PDCA accepts and publishes these results as part of advancing the breed through transparent genetics.
Pal, Satya, et al. “Comparative effects of A1 versus A2 beta-casein on gastrointestinal measures: a randomized crossover trial.” European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, vol. 69, no. 8, 2015, pp. 930–936.
Bell, Stephen J., et al. “The A2 Milk Case: A Critical Review.” Nutrition Reviews, vol. 64, no. 2, 2006, pp. 104–109.
Kurek, M., et al. “The effect of A1 and A2 beta-casein variants on health outcomes: A systematic review.” Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 2023.
Jianqin, Sun, et al. “Effects of A1 and A2 beta-casein on gastrointestinal transit and digestive comfort in subjects with self-reported intolerance to traditional cows’ milk.” Nutrition Journal, vol. 15, no. 1, 2016, p. 35.
Ho, S., et al. “Differential gastrointestinal responses following consumption of milk containing A1 or A2 beta-casein in milk-intolerant subjects.” American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, vol. 104, no. 6, 2016, pp. 1433–1439. Michalski,
Marie-Claire. “On the supposed influence of milk homogenization on the risk of CVD, diabetes and allergy.” British Journal of Nutrition, vol. 97, no. 4, 2007, pp. 598–610.
Lopez, C., and M. C. Michalski. “The milk fat globule membrane and dairy products: structure, composition, and biological properties.” Dairy Science & Technology, vol. 86, no. 3, 2006, pp. 293–311.
Singh, Hemant. “The milk fat globule membrane – a biophysical system for food applications.” Current Opinion in Colloid & Interface Science, vol. 21, 2016, pp. 88–93.
Neogen Corporation. Igenity® Milk Proteins: Product Description & Breed Compatibility. Neogen Genomics, 2023.
Caroli, Anna M., et al. “Genetics of milk protein polymorphisms and their influence on milk production traits.” Journal of Dairy Science, vol. 92, no. 11, 2009, pp. 5335–5352.
Dexter cattle produce exceptionally high-quality beef—fine-grained, deeply marbled, and packed with rich, beefy flavor. Their smaller frame means more even fat distribution and shorter muscle fibers, often translating to superior tenderness and a naturally buttery mouthfeel, even without grain finishing.
Unlike commercial breeds bred for size and rapid gain, Dexters shine in flavor-forward grass-fed systems, where their efficient metabolism and marbling genetics deliver meat that’s tender, nutrient-dense, and unforgettable on the plate.
🏆 Did you know? In 2019, at a blind beef tasting contest hosted in the United Kingdom, Dexter beef beat out both Angus and Wagyu for flavor, tenderness, and overall eating experience. Despite being the smallest breed in the competition, Dexter made the biggest impression.
Whether you’re raising your own beef or buying from a local producer, Dexter meat delivers the quality of high-end restaurant cuts with the ethics and sustainability of a small homestead system.
Why It Stands Out
- Balanced marbling on a compact frame offers excellent flavor without excessive waste.
- Shorter muscle fibers may contribute to naturally tender cuts, ideal for home butchering.
- Performs well on forage-based diets, making it a great fit for regenerative or low-input systems.
- Contains beneficial fats like Omega-3s and CLA—comparable to other grass-finished beef.
- Efficient feed conversion means smaller animals can still yield a satisfying beef harvest.
Note: While Dexter beef is widely praised by breeders and chefs for its flavor and tenderness, more research is needed to formally compare its genetics and fatty acid profiles to commercial breeds like Angus or Wagyu.
Allen, D., et al. “Meat and Carcass Quality of Dexter Cattle Compared with That of Suckler Charolais-Cross Calves: A Preliminary Study.” Animal Production Science, vol. 59, no. 6, 2019, pp. 986–992.
“Dexter.” The Cattle Site, 2023.
Liu, X. D., Moffitt‑Hemmer, N. R., Deavila, J. M., et al. “Wagyu–Angus Cross Improves Meat Tenderness Compared to Angus Cattle but Unaffected by Mild Protein Restriction During Late Gestation.” Animal, 2020.
Multiple Contributors. “Earliest Age to Process?” Dexter Cattle ProBoards Forum, 2018.
“Improved Beef Quality and Yield in Wagyu Compared to Angus Sired Cattle.” National Library of Medicine / PMC, 2020.
North Coast Ranch. “Dexter Beef Quality and Flavor.” North Coast Ranch, 2021.
“Dexter Beef Outshines Wagyu and Angus in Blind Taste Test.”