PONOKA, Alta. – Cuba is buying 92 Dexter cows and bulls from seven Alberta ranches in an attempt to improve its cattle herd.
The hardy Irish breed was chosen for its ability to survive in harsh climates, said Donna Rudd, one of the Alberta producers involved in the deal.
A Cuban delegation toured Dexter farms in Ontario and Alberta before choosing the Alberta animals.
Canadian Food Inspection Agency veterinarians conducted blood tests on the 86 cows and six bulls.
Horacio Buitrago, a purchaser with Regor Inc., the Montreal Export Company looking after export logistics, said the cattle will be trucked to Montreal for three weeks of quarantine once health certificates are issued.
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Buitrago said women looked after the small cattle on all the farms they toured, a testament to the animals’ gentle nature.
Dexters were originally introduced to Cuba in the early 1900s, where they were bred to other animals. A Cuban veterinarian noticed the small, hardy animals 15 years ago and a plan was developed to reintroduce them.
The breed will be used for milk and meat production.
The Cubans wanted to import 180 animals, but had to settle for 90 because Dexters are still not that common, even in Canada.
Rudd, a Dexter breeder for 12 years who has won several championships at the Calgary Stampede, said it was an honour to have her six cows and one bull selected.
“They’re taking some mighty good ones,” she said. “They knew what they were looking for when they came.”
Willie Kadatz of Rocky Mountain House, Alta., said the shipment gives a boost to the breed.
“It’s an opportunity for a small little industry,” he said. “They’re very adaptable, so it should work out good for us. It’s an opportunity for advertising and promotion.”
Kadatz is exporting 10 cows and two bulls from his 140-animal herd.
