How Much Milk Does a Dexter Cow Give?

📷 Tilly connected to the milking claw actively being milked.

When people first hear about Dexter cattle, the most common question is: “How much milk do they give?”

The honest answer: it depends.

Genetics play a huge role

My very first attempt at milking a Dexter was a disappointment. That cow came from a breeder who focused heavily on beef lines. When I brought her into the stanchion, she gave me exactly one cup of milk. One. Cup. That was the day I realized not every Dexter has been selected to be a family cow.

Lactation number matters too

Another big factor is whether the cow is in her first, second, or later lactations. A first lactation is never the full picture. Production often increases with each freshening through the third — sometimes even into the fifth — before it levels out.

An example from our herd

Here’s a look at Tilly’s lactation record. Even as a first-calf heifer, she did well, but her second lactation showed a clear jump in both peak and persistence. She’s due again in the spring, and based on her progress, I expect her to peak near four gallons a day.

So how much milk can you expect?

Most Dexter cows, when bred and managed with milk in mind, will give anywhere from 1.5 to 4 gallons per day. That’s one of the things that makes them so appealing as family cows — the quantity is generous but not overwhelming.

Closing

Dexters are unique, and no two cows are exactly alike. Genetics and maturity both shape the outcome, but when chosen carefully, Dexters are a wonderfully right-sized dairy cow.

👉 Learn more about the breed on our About Dexters page.