Impregnating Dexter without bull

Forgive me for this ignorant question, but I am very new to researching about keeping a milk cow. I am considering getting a Dexter for our acreage and I would not have room to keep a bull (and I don't think I would want to either). Can I artificially inseminate the Dexter each year and, if so, is this really expensive?

Thanks,
Beth

google dexter semen straw

I'm sure this depends on where you live. Dexter semen is available from $25 per straw to $150 per straw. Your AI (Artificial Insemination) tech will charge you for performing the deed and perhaps a trip fee. It may or may not take on the first try, so factor this in as you make your plans. You may also need to pay your tech a storage fee for storing your straws and there will most likely be a shipping fee to get the semen.

On the plus side, you may be able to contribute to improving the breed by using quality semen over a local bull that has less desirable traits.

Hope this helps.

we AI our cows, as we cant keep a bull just for that purpose.

jersey semen is ~$15-30 per straw and our vet charges ~$25 for the AI. if you have multiple straws, they charge $6 a month to store the straws in their freezer, because as mentioned, it doesnt always take the first time.

this is in southern CO. so your prices may very, just trying to give some sort of baseline.

Beth Mouse wrote:Forgive me for this ignorant question, but I am very new to researching about keeping a milk cow. I am considering getting a Dexter for our acreage and I would not have room to keep a bull (and I don't think I would want to either). Can I artificially inseminate the Dexter each year and, if so, is this really expensive?

Thanks,
Beth

Hi Beth, I would say that the cost of the Dexter semen straw will be the least of your concerns. The much bigger issue will be dealing with the timing for breeding your cow. I talk a lot about the pros and cons of AI in the chapter in my book on breeding. There is a lot more to say than I can type here at the moment, but I would encourage you to take a look at that chapter in my book before you commit your plan to relying upon AI. AI can work well, but there are a lot of ways for it to not produce adequate results, especially if you are aiming for seasonal calving (which I deem to be one of the three essential tenants of good dairy farming).

good luck!