Dexter cattle originated in the south west of Ireland, descended from the black cattle of the early Celts. The breed was first mentioned in a report on Irish cattle in 1845 and Dexters were introduced into England in 1886 by a Mr Sutton of Oxfordshire.
The Dexter is the smallest British cattle breed, standing 40-45 inches at the rump.
The breed is early maturing and can be finished at 24 months, although we tend to kill just prior to 30 months, as age improves the flavour quite noticeably. Dexters do not need any supplementary feed and ours are finished on meadow grass and hay – this produces up to 6 times more Omega-3 fatty acids than grain-fed cattle. They are also richer in anti-oxidant vitamins. No hormones or growth promoters are used.
The meat is of exceptional quality, very well marbled with excellent flavour.
Amongst other establishments, we supply The House of Lords, The Waterside Inn, Locanda Locatelli, Le Gavroche and St John Bar & Restaurant (number 14 in San Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2011).
We use a small throughput abattoir 25 minutes’ away and the carcases are then delivered to our butchers in the village, where they are hung for 28 days.
As the Dexter is so compact we sell them by the quarter-carcase, butchered and vacuum packed in one box. The total weight will be approximately 22-25kgs and the price is £300 per box, including delivery.
10 Approx. weight 2 8 6 1 2 2 4 packs 6 packs 1 6 packs 20
For further information and availability, please contact us by phone or email.
Richard & Susie Charles
The Stables
Ellel Grange
Lancaster LA2 0HN
Tel: 01524 751200
Fax: 01524 752648
Email: info@ellelfreerangepoultry.co.uk