March 2009

TheCDCA Canadian Dexter Association Addressing and understanding the needs of Dexter Cattle owners in Canada New beginnings ... By Ed Post, President eagerly waiting to see what comes because Sires that are PHA carriers should be very Hello to everyone. Spring has offi- last year I did a first – I had a sire brought carefully scrutinized as to their worth and cially arrived – according to the calendar, to the farm. No artificial insemination for possibly terminated. Personally, I think all anyways. my girls. It was the real deal this time. carrier cattle should be put into the freezer. For us in southern Ontario, the snow Pulmonary Hypoplasia Anasarca is Let’s do an aggressive cull and try to is all gone and the maple syrup is being something that has been of interest the remove the recessive gene from the gene made. This year my son is learning the art last number of months for Dexter breed- pool, if that is possible. of boiling sap on an open fire hoping to ers. Now that there is a test for the reces- The annual general meeting for the make some golden syrup. sive gene, sires have been CDCA will be held earlier this year, some- So far he has thrown out I’m sure by now tested in several differ- thing new to encourage more membership more than he has been there are a num- ent countries. People are participation. able to salvage but that is ber of little Dex- eagerly waiting for the It has been brought to my attention that OK. By the time the trees ter calves running results to be published to Farmfair International in Edmonton has are done for the season around the farms see how it may affect their changed the requirements for the number he should have enough to herd. of animals needed to make a class in the keep my sweet tooth happy dotting this great I have put a small arti- show. Here is a great opportunity for the until next year. country of ours. For cle together about PHA Western members to get a Dexter class I’m sure by now there us here it will be a (which appears on page going. I encourage those who are close to are a number of little Dex- month or two yet. 4 beside another PHA ac- Farmfair to look into the new rules and to ter calves running around count by Liz Dickie) and show off your Dexters to the rest of the the farms dotting this great country of encourage everyone to do a little research world. ours. For us here it will be a month or two into the genetic disorder for themselves. I Enjoy the spring, for haying season yet. The grass will be green and lush be- believe as herd owners we should all try will follow shortly. fore there is new life in the cow barn. I’m to do our part to eliminate the disorder. Ed INSIDE

PHA – 2 takes Horns Exploring the genetic disorder Dehorning issues ‘W’ P4, 5 P7 is the tattoo letter Making a rope halter Dexter Bar! for 2009! Quick and simple Getting a milking machine? P6 P12, 13 2 CDCA Newsletter March 2009 Officers FROM THE VICE-PRESIDENT By Neal Wilson drought recovery on native ranges. and Hello fellow Dexter members. Being new 2) Proper time and season of use can also to Dexters, I find myself impressed more and be very important, depending on what type of more often with their hardiness, gentle dis- grass you are grazing. For example, crested Directors position and different personalities – all traits wheat grass grows very early in the spring I had read about before we bought our first but is unpalatable later in the summer, and 2008-2009 cows. It looks like we made it through the native prairie produces better when grazed longest part of another winter and everyone during the dormant season. President around here is looking forward to the grass 3) Proper distribution of grazing pres- Neal Wilson Box 2011, Brooks, AB T1R 1C7 greening up and the end of feeding. This also sure is important for controlling over grazing Phone/Fax: 403-793-2544 means that it is time to start planning how such as the areas around waterers and loafing E-mail: [email protected] you are going to use your grazing resources areas. This can be minimized by salting away this year. There are many different names that from these areas and making the cattle move Vice-President can be used to describe what grazing system around and not hammer one area only. Mary Ann Stevenson Box 46, Bashaw, AB T0B 0H0 you can use, from a continuous grazing sys- 4) Using the proper kind of is Phone/Fax: 403-788-2135 tem (no grass management, just turn the cows also fairly important as cattle won’t do all that E-mail: [email protected] loose in the spring and pick them up in the well living on trees but there are other kinds fall) to a management intensive system (can of livestock that can browse trees and do well. Directors Catherine Heinzelman be moving cows often, depending on how fast So, why is grazing management import- 4138 Brotherhood Road the grass is growing). All of these systems are ant to Dexter owners? There are a couple of Quesnel BC V2J 6P4 based on four principles of proper grazing fairly major reasons: first, grass is the pounds Phone: 250-747-3864 management: that you are putting on your animals or basic- E-mail: [email protected] ● proper grazing use of the available ally cash in your pocket. If your grass is not Allyn Nelson forage taken care of, you will eventually start see- Box 2, Colinton AB T0G 0R0 ● proper time and season of use ing it on the frames of your animals with Phone: 780-675-9295 ● proper distribution of grazing decreased gains. The second reason is that Fax: 780-675-3369 pressures if you don’t take care of your grass you will E-mail: [email protected] ● proper kind of livestock. find weeds popping up and they will start to Brenda Pollard 1) Proper grazing use of available forage out-compete the productive grasses in your Box 19, Edam SK S0M 0V0 means that you maintain a stocking rate which pastures, which will once again show as a de- Phone: 306-397-2663 allows you to graze through the year and crease in the rates of gain on your animals. Fax: 306-397-2610 still leave some litter as carry-over through I am looking forward to meeting everyone E-mail: [email protected] the dormant seasons. This is very important at the AGM in Bashaw this June and being Ruth Stone to allow the litter to insulate the soil during able to see the cattle that everyone brings to Box 793, Elk Point, AB T0A 1A0 the winter. It protects the plant roots and also the Expo. Phone: 780-724-2042 slows down the water infiltration rates dur- If you have any questions about cattle or E-mail: [email protected] ing rainstorms and slows erosion. Twenty grass, please feel free to give me a call. I love Secretary-Treasurer years of research at Antelope Creek Ranch in to talk about both. Ron Black Brooks, Alberta has also shown that there is a 2417 Holly Lane, Ottawa ON K1V 0M7 direct correlation between litter reserves and Neal Phone: 613-731-7110 (Ext. 303) Fax: 613-731-0704 E-mail: [email protected] FROM THE DIRECTORS Newsletter Editor Graham Dalziel By Mary Ann Stevenson has springs. With the spring melt, the ice be- Box 132, Smoky Lake, AB T0A 3C0 Here it is almost the end of March and comes unstable and your animals can fall in Phone: 780-656-3008 time just seemed to slip away. We are well and to catch them in time you have to go on a CLRC Registrars into our calving and have been blessed with fishing expedition. Lisa Hutt melting and fairly temperate weather. We had To date as a Dexter lifeguard, I have had 613-731-7110 ext 312 a couple of incidents here that Dexter en- two successful rescues but unfortunately two E-mail: [email protected] thusiasts should be aware of and that involves not so successful, all being yearlings. The Betty Foti ice buildups. We have artesian wells and the older cows seem to know. We have since 613-731-7110 ext 310 ice builds up around them, causing pooling taken measures to barricade off the area and E-mail: [email protected] under the ice. set up alternative water sources. This can happen as well if your property You know, it never ceases to amaze me CDCA Newsletter March 2009 3

FROM THE DIRECTORS (Cont.) about the Dexter personality that they around springs and wet mucky areas in the offing. seem to sense when they need help to co- spring with your cows. That’s it for me for this newsletter. operate with you, ever deepening the bond On to other topics. Congratulations to Good luck with calving and enjoy the between owner and animal. It is amazing. Neal Wilson and his better half Shannon on spring weather. That being said, it brings tears to my eyes the birth of their second son. Whooohoo, for the two we lost. So please take care way to go guys, more junior members in Mary Ann

By Glorianne Bjerland After having our own butter and running job putting the meeting together and with Spring is here. out last week buying store bought is very Prairie-grown fare to dine on Friday even- We have two calves and two litters of painful and pale. ing. No one will be disappointed. pigs and with the new life it is the prom- We have had weekly calls or visits from We are also looking forward to the ise of all that renews. One purebred dun potential Dexter owners that are wanting a CDCA annual meeting that will be held Dexter heifer and a brownie/black Jersey/ safe supply of milk and meat. Many have alongside the Dexter Expo in Bashaw, Al- Dexter bull calf have arrived and both are read recent newspaper articles that boast berta this June. We are hoping that many full of mischief and life. We are expecting about the benefits of owning a Dexter. people will attend and bring their animals one more calf this week and the last one We are heading to the Brandon Winter for classification. Mary Ann will be this will arrive in June. Fair the first weekend of April and will year’s host and it promises to be a great With calving comes our yearly milk- also attend the Rare Breeds Canada annual weekend for all. ing season and many grateful people. With meeting at the same time. We have been Take care and may all your calves ar- most of our Dexters milking four gallons asked to provide ice cream, butter and rive safely. a day each, we will have our 2010 win- cream for the RBC supper. Pam Heath is ter butter supply in record time this year. the event organizer and has done a great Glorianne

By Catherine Heinzelman sell us a heifer when we were ready, hav- to learning more about them, as we may be I am beginning to feel like I might ing purchased this 80 acres that we still live impacted by the PHA factor. know what work a Dexter Association dir- on. Kersley is in the Cariboo region, south I volunteered to be the newsletter dir- ector does – it is very interesting speaking of Quesnel in the central interior of B.C. We ector without knowing exactly what my with people from across the country, all are on a bench above the Fraser River. duties would be, but I am very happy that focused on the Dexter breed. Our oldest cow (17 this year) has given Graham Dalziel is the official editor and My husband Paul Zeegers and I de- us a healthy 2009 calf. We purchased her that I can assist in whatever way I can to cided to raise Dexters long before we had 12 years ago as our second cow and she be helpful to our members. acreage and before our dream of providing has provided us with years of delicious I look forward to meeting people at the our family with good quality food as well milk, yogurt and butter. We have enjoyed AGM in Bashaw. Unfortunately, I will not as a healthy lifestyle had been realized. the adventures of 4-H with Dexters, and be able to bring any animals with me this We’ve raised three children who have we still think they must have a little rein- year but encourage people living close by all moved away, but we still have our Dex- deer in them, as they are not necessarily to consider it and to attend the meetings. ters. Our first information came from a Har- contained by fencing. Respectfully submitted, rowsmith article from years ago, and we Keeping Dexters has been interesting searched until we found a farm which could and fulfilling, and we are looking forward Catherine Contest for milkers! The CDCA wishes to recognize Dexter . All people who milk Dexter cattle are invited to submit a story and photo about their milking experience. Documents will be published in the newsletter and entrants will be eligible to win a promotional item. Tell the membership how you trained your Dexter to milk and what you do with the product. 4 CDCA Newsletter March 2009 Pulmonary Hypoplasia By Ed Post becoming more prevalent in the cattle industry. It The preceding table shows what happens What exactly is PHA? Is this something has been suggested that this may be happening when you have a sire and dam that are each new? So why are we seeing it now? What can because of how animal selection is being done. carriers of the recessive disorder yet show no we do about it? What is CDCA doing to help? More tools are available to the breeder and less physical signs of the defect. What exactly is Pulmonary Hypoplasia emphasis is placed on the pedigree. What the table tells us is that three out of the with Anasarca? That being said, I personally don’t be- four calves will have no physical signs of PHA. Pulmonary – relating to or affecting the lieve that is the case within the Dexter breed Two out of those three calves will be carriers. lungs. in Canada. As Dexter breeders in Canada we One of the calves will have PHA. Hypoplasia – the failure of an organ or don’t have the classification of animals like So if you have a sire and a dam that is a body part to grow or develop fully. some breeds nor do we have the EBRs of known carrier there is a 25% chance that the Anasarca – the accumulation of watery others. Instead all we have is the pedigree to offspring will be a PHA affected calf, a 50% fluid in connective tissue and cavities, re- use if we choose. If the wrong sire is chosen chance that the offspring will be carriers like sulting in swelling edema. and used extensively for A.I., the genetic dis- the parents and only a 25% chance that the Pulmonary Hypoplasia with Anasarca is order may spread over vast numbers. calf will not be affected or a carrier. basically under-developed lungs with excessive Up until now we were not sure what we had What can we do about it? fluid retention. Calves born with PHA are born or if we even had a new problem. It is very hard Test our animals, especially the herd sires. with virtually no lung or lymphatic tissues. to eliminate a problem when you’re not sure Does that mean all breeders have to sub- This is a lethal defect and generally calves what the underlying problem is. So breeding of mit a specimen sample for their bulls? are born dead or aborted. It is estimated that carrier cattle continued and created more cattle Not necessarily. Since the Dexter breed 30% of all embryos are aborted prior to term. that became carriers. Eventually the gene pool numbers in Canada are few, we know the The calves that are carried to term can be has enough carriers that an increase in the re- origin of the first cattle that were imported grossly over sized because of the fluid reten- cessive genetic disorder becomes a noticeable into the country. It makes it easier to trace tion. The calf can be upward of 2.5 times the issue. In some of the other breeds affected by pedigrees and find possible areas of con- normal birth weight. This causes problems PHA it is now becoming an issue. cern. for the cow. A C-section maybe required or Are we there now in the Dexter breed? I A number of different Dexter associa- the cow may die trying to give birth. guess that is a matter of opinion. What we do tions around the world have tested the most Is this something new? know is that we are able to do something about it. popular A.I. sires used within the breed. From Who knows for sure? Were there fetuses We now have a test that tells us, no more these tests we will know what parentage lines aborted that no one saw or were they just guessing. So why does my cow now produce need to be further tested. stated as undeveloped? Maybe the aborted a calf with PHA when she has not in the past? What is CDCA doing to help? fetus was diagnosed as a chondroplasic calf We now know that the defective gene is Currently the Canadian Dexter Cattle As- but really was a PHA affected fetus. recessive. If you have both a normal look- sociation is planning to submit samples of What we do know is that in 1967-68 it ing cow and bull but they produce a calf with A.I. sires used within the breed that have test- was first found in the breed. Maine PHA, both the dam and sire are carriers. PHA, ed positive or may be suspect carriers. This Anjou and Chianina cattle or hybrids of these like other recessive defects, can only show up testing will happen as soon as another labora- breeds are also known to carry the mutation. when two carriers are mated to each other. tory is licensed to conduct the correct test. By So why are we seeing it now? Sire dom. P Sire recess. p waiting for another lab to offer the test and Having read a number of different articles and Dam dominant P Calf PP Calf pP using them, it solidifies the conclusions from research papers, the increase in genetic defects is Dam recessive p Calf Pp Calf pp previous tests. CDCA Directors – Roles and Responsibilities All board members should: ● Be familiar with the Canadian Dexter Cattle Association Constitution. ● Uphold the interests of the CDCA and its membership. ● Act in good faith and in the best interests of the CDCA by avoiding conflict of interest situations. ● Be prepared for and actively participate in meetings. Develop a working knowledge of meeting procedures. ● Maintain confidentiality of board business. ● Speak positively of the CDCA to the public. ● Deal with the public and each other in a fair, ethical and straightforward manner. ● Educate and inform new Dexter owners and the public about the Dexter breed and the CDCA. CDCA Newsletter March 2009 5 with Anasarca – 2 takes By Liz Dickie So where do we begin? The next thing we are going to explain why to the buyers. In Like most of you, we have recently be- that we found out was whether the AI bulls fact, prospective sales are the reason that we come aware of a new lethal gene having been that we use tested positive. They have been opted to test right away. discovered in our Dexter cattle – the muta- tested and we found out that they are all non- Denis and I have one small herd in the tion of a gene causing Pulmonary Hypoplasia carriers. The gene is mendelian in inherit- Canadian herd as a whole but we believe that with Anasarca, (PHA). Although the gene is ance, so an offspring of a carrier has a 50% if we all work together responsibly we can ac- newly discovered, PHA has been around for chance of inheriting the gene and becoming tually remove PHA from the Canadian herd, a while. I was speaking to a long time Dexter a carrier or 50% chance of not inheriting without sacrificing the good genetics, in a few breeder a few weeks ago who recounted her the gene and becoming a non-carrier. This generations. Breeding season is coming and personal experience when she had used Al- means that the offspring of our foundation what decisions should we be making? The debaran Priapus on her herd. One of her cows cows could not have inherited it from their first thing that everyone should do is to look had a “horribly deformed calf” that was too sires. What about their dams? If we started at their herd sire and see if he has an “at risk” swollen for a vaginal delivery and had to be with testing our foundation cows, who have pedigree. What is an “at risk” pedigree? Any removed by cesarean section by a vet. at-risk pedigrees, we could potentially rule pedigree that has Priapus either through his Dolly had no explanation for the deform- out testing their offspring. Some of the off- son Chabotte or directly back to him in their ity and thought perhaps it was a bulldog, ex- spring were sold either as servicing bulls or pedigree. That is so far the proven source. We cept that Priapus was not a chondrodysplasia milk cows. We opted to have a blood test of should also suspect Woodmagic Wheatear carrier. The most probable explanation is that our cows sent to Dr. Beever in Illinois. We until proven otherwise. The herd sires should this was PHA, the calf, a hydrops fetus, and got the appropriate customs forms sent to us be tested first and then the cows’ pedigrees that Dolly’s cow would have tested positive from Ron Black and had our vet draw blood should be examined. We know that this is go- for having the mutation, just as Priapus tested and courier it down. Now we wait, none too ing to require lots of testing but there are a positive, meaning he carries the gene. The patiently, for the official results. few things that could be done to reduce not mating of two animals that are positive can While waiting for the results we have only the testing of animals but also the ex- result in a hydrops fetus. done a lot of thinking. What if they are posi- pense: This example means that tive, what would we do? 1. Ask our executive to form a commit- we should not be alarmed Denis and I have one Well, the fact is that we tee to look at common links in pedigrees that by the announcement of small herd in the Can- wouldn’t cull our current could be tested first and thereby possibly the discovery of a gene that adian herd as a whole cows, we milk them and eliminate the need to test further down the already existed. The dis- but we believe that if have relationships with line. covery and naming of the we all work together them. More importantly, 2. Ask our executive to negotiate a bulk PHA gene actually means we chose them as our testing rate with the lab, Pfiezer, that is going that there is a solution – the responsibly we can foundation cows because to be performing the hair test. test. The other good news is actually remove PHA of all of the positive gen- 3. Ask our executive to have the website that this experience does not from the Canadian etics they would bring and forum up and running so that we can have to be repeated by any herd, without sacrifi- to our herd. That hasn’t communicate information about animals’ more Dexter breeders be- cing the good genetics, changed. We would con- status and or pedigrees with each other. cause, again, we now have tinue to breed them to Even with these important tools, it will be a test. in a few generations. non-carrying bulls and up to all of us to follow through with our own Since the identification cull any positive off- herds, share information and be open. of Trillium Chabotte as a carrier, in Australia, spring. Culling their offspring means putting – Liz and Denis, Eliden Farm Dec. 5, 2008 there has been a whirlwind of them in the freezer, male or female, not sell- activity testing other North American bulls in ing them out of our herd. By that time a hair Public disclosure on some AI bulls’ status order to identify the possible source. Aldeb- test will be available and testing will be less can be found at: aran Priapus, Chabotte’s sire, also tested posi- expensive and easier to do. ● http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/ tive for the gene but his own sire, Trillium The other and equally important decision DexterCattleADCA/message/8213 Cluny did not. This means that Priapus’s dam that we made is that we are going to be open ● http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/ Wheatear is also suspect, until proven differ- and up front about their status. That means DEXTERCATTLE2/message/12645 ently. So what does this mean for Canadian that we are going to contact all of the people ● http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/ pedigrees and our national herd? What does that bought animals of ours and keep them DEXTERCATTLE2/message/12631 it mean for ours? Denis and I sat down and apprised of the test and then the test results. first looked at the pedigrees of our own cows. Our herd, small as it is, has touched many Information explaining the PHA gene can Sure enough, half of them carried either a cows through the bulls that have been sold as be found at: Wheatear descendant or a Priapus descendant herd sires. We are not going to sell cows that ● http://www.dextercattle.org/genPHA.htm in their pedigrees and so did our AI bulls. are already promised if they test positive and ● http://www.purebreddextercattle.org 6 CDCA Newsletter March 2009

Handling Making a Rope Halter

These instructions for making a quick and simple rope halter have There are a few reminders for when you are making your halter. been included at the request of one of our members. Short of having Choose a rope that is sufficiently strong and weather resistant. Ensure been able to find the instructions in one of my files I got busy and you take care when using heat to finish the ends of your synthetic photographed making one. I hope these pictures and instructions rope. Take notice of the length of rope used in these instructions. It are clear enough to assist anyone wanting to make a basic halter. can be dangerous to have too much length. If you find your halter is There are number of ways to do each step so play around until you too long cut off the extra length and re-finish the end. get it the way you want it.

Step 1: You will need approximately 3mts of twisted rope. (the length is optional and can be whatever you need for your particular use. Excessive length on halters can pose some risks when working with cattle. Ensure excess rope does not become entangled or is allowed to fall around your feet.) Step 2: The ends of the rope must be sealed to prevent fraying. There are a number of ways to heat and shape the ends of your rope halter. Some people use their calf debudders. (the example used in this article has been sealed using this method.) However you choose is up to you but be aware that melted synthetics can cause serious burns. Make sure you wear gloves, preferably wet, and take extreme care. Kids wanting to make halters should get an adult to assist with the first step. Cotton and jute ropes require different methods of finishing the ends.

Step 3: Place a mark on your rope at approximately. 45cm (18inches). Pull out one strand (ply) of your twisted rope at the mark. Hold the end of the rope nearest the mark in your left hand and the loop in the right hand. Take the end up and over to your right hand and down through the loop you pulled out at the 45cm mark.

Step 4: At the end of your rope (the end nearest the loop you have just made) you are going to make three loops. Start closest to where your rope end has been sealed off. Pull a single strand (ply) up and twist so it stays in a loop. Do this three times so you have a line of loops.

Step 5: Hold this with the end of the rope pointing up. Take the other end of the rope and pass it down through the loops one at a time. Pull it right through until the top loop is approximately the right size for a cows head. Now you should be able to see your halter coming together. Note : this can be done so the little “tail” on the end is facing down not up”

Step 6: Now you should be able to see your halter taking shape. All you have to do now is pass the remaining end of you rope through the loop you made which is on the left hand side. You have now made your first rope halter.

Dexter BulletinPhoto’s 80 & editorial by RozSummer Michelini 2008 – Reprinted with permission of Dexter Cattle Australia Inc CDCA Newsletter March 2009 7

Husbandry Horns Horn Re-growth Most Dexter breeders are already familiar Older animals are a different story. Removal The horn was not taken off right at the with the processes used for dehorning. of mature horns poses another set of skull for the reasons previously mentioned. Some dehorn simply as a management tool considerations. Because a mature animal This resulted in virtually no pleading and to prevent damage to other animals during develops hollow horns, dehorning older the cow appearing relatively unperturbed yarding or transport. Others dehorn for animals has some risks. If you do not want by the procedure. Having taken this option aesthetic reasons. The options are electric to take out the entire horn structure by way for the well being of the cow and calf in the or gas de budding, scoop type de-horners, of a full surgical procedure, just removing short term, there is significant risk leaving caustic paste, embryotomy wire or full the external horn will temporarily leave an exposed hollow horn end. “The devil surgical dehorning for older animals. a hollow cavity. This is then subject to fly and deep” you might say. Every vet will strike or infection and needs to be monitored have their own preferred method of dealing Whatever method you use, the decision to until healed. with individual cases. There are a number dehorn needs to be made early. It is much of products available for filling the exposed more difficult to dehorn older cattle. Even Dehorning pregnant cows can result in the hollow. This particular vet preferred to leave when dehorning is done as a calf there is cow aborting the calf and should be avoided the hollow open. Other vets may make other always the chance a small percentage of where and when possible. Similarly’ cows choices. animals will develop regrowth. Sometimes with young calves at foot. Dehorning too this is little more than a small amount of early after the calf is born can result in Dehorning Dexter cattle is not mandatory horn tissue that amounts to nothing much. reduced milk production, though this is and thus is personal choice. Breeders Other times horns can fully regrow and, usually only for a few days. wanting to sell cattle through conventional unfortunately, the new horns are rarely the channels may find there is some resistance shape they were meant to be. Some of these It is always best to monitor young cattle to to horned animals in the sale yards. This is a regrown horns can cause problems in the ensure there is no regrowth of horns after result of the possibility of bruising and other future. Distorted horn growth is not always dehorning. If regrowth appears have it dealt injuries that may be caused during yarding the result of dehorning gone wrong. Horns with as soon as is possible before the new and transport influencing the buyers. can be damaged or knocked off and regrow growth develops to any significant size. Breeders choosing to leave their animals in a less than attractive manner, also causing The cow shown below is a 5 year old cow with horns need to ensure they apply possible problems as the animal matures. who’s horns regrew after a failed dehorning suitable management practices to avoid as a calf. The horns had just penetrated injury to their cattle and themselves when Young Dexter horns are quite solid all the the skin above the eye. Dehorning her had handling their animals. Dehorning should way through and are relatively loose in the now become essential to prevent the horns be considered for all bulls and in particular scull. They are easily removed and heal penetrating the skull. Given the cow had for those breeders with limited experience quickly. The animals suffer little trauma and just calved, the attending vet opted for a with cattle management. the risk of infection and complications is minimal approach. It was the preferred generally minimal. choice to minimise trauma and bleeding at When purchasing cattle, individuals should this particular time. Embryotomy wire was take notice of any horn distortions and used to dehorn this cow. consider the possible implications in the future. Left: Regrown horn penetrating just above the eye Below: the horn after removal

What to Read

For further information on dehorning and other man- agement, presentation and husbandry issues consult your copy of “A Handbook for Dexter owners and Breeders”. This publication covers many of the most common topics associated with managing your cattle and is available through DCAI

A young bull being de- horned with Who to Ask The horn after removal For advice and assistance with de- embryotomy wire horning your animals contact your local vet. Your vet will be able to give you advice on suitable methods for your animals.

If you are not sure what you need to know contact your local Dexter Pro- motion Group. Group members are more than happy to offer anecdotal information on dehorning or any other husbandry matters you may need assistance with.

Editorial & Photographs: Roz Michelini

Dexter Bulletin 80 Summer 2008/2009 – Reprinted with permission of Dexter Cattle Australia Inc 8 CDCA Newsletter March 2009 Saskatchewan family By Trudi Lange were off to Mortlach to see the Nash setup. we were impressed that he was so friendly. Hello, we are the Langes from Yorkton, SK I happen to like seeing how other people do Having never been around a bull and hav- – well actually 20 km northwest of Yorkton. things. ing heard many a horror Ken and I are of the older variety of farm- The Nash family was story, this was a relief to er. Our son Christopher will be 24 this June. really great to meet and me. He was the one that got us going on owning their setup was impressive Rod did counsel not Dexters. to us as we were strug- to get a bull as they can We checked out the Rare Breeds Canada gling along with the North be tricky even when they website in 2005 and discovered that Rod American Blackbelly seem friendly. He did tell Nash had two half sisters to be sold togeth- at the time. The us that the “girls” were er. We were in the process of moving both “girls,” Wanda and Lacey, bred as cows, but Christopher and his sister Stephanie home were in the home pad- just back in Pense we from Saskatoon, so did not call right away. dock so we could mingle could see a Dexter dairy As it turned out, the move required two trips with them. They were not operation. to Saskatoon as our extended van decided it much interested in us but We came home with wanted to stay in Clavet on the return trip. when Rod put some oats Lange family photos Dexter dreams and plans When we got home with the van – our out they were first in line. Christopher and Emma to buy the girls once we young adults stayed on the farm – we discov- We were able to meet their mothers and had things set up. Before doing any of that ered that Christopher had contacted Mr. Nash their father, Black Lake Eagle. He was, to we contacted the Bjerland family and made a and he had recommended that we view the my eyes at least, quite massive for a smaller date to see their operation. “girls” before purchasing. So the next day we breed. He ambled over to check us out and What a lovely barn, friendly cows and calves. Their bull was away from the farm doing his duty for someone else’s cow so we didn’t meet him. We did sample Dexter cream with a lovely home-made cake and washed it down with delicious Dexter milk. It was a day to set stars in your head when planning a similar operation. Christopher contacted Rod shortly after this visit and he kindly offered to transport Wanda and Lacey to our place as they had business in Yorkton. The girls arrived on our 25th anniversary and what a wonderful present they were. Rod and GeriLynn had brought them up in a huge trailer. Luckily it was easy to back up to the pasture next to the sheet and, due to a drought in the Mortlach area, they were happy to jump out and start grazing right away. The sheep quickly noticed the intruders and started ambling up to see who was invading their territory. They were almost to the connecting gate when the heif- ers noticed them. The heifers ambled over to the fence. The sheep beat a hasty retreat from these big animals. The cows followed them down to the bottom of the pasture as there was shade and grass. One-of-Nine, the senior ewe, came over to the fence and sniffed the heifers. Once she had determined that they were not a threat, some of the braver sheep checked them out too. Then everyone went back to doing their own thing, pretending not to notice each other. Emma, two weeks old Christopher got the feed Rod had kindly CDCA Newsletter March 2009 9 discovers Dexters brought along and mixed some of our oats in and put out two pails for the girls. Im- mediately we noted that the July creek water would not be good enough for our registered Dexters. Well water was substituted and the girls were left to their own devices. Every day Christopher would feed them, talk to them and rub them, when permitted. Every time we visited them we would bring an al- falfa treat for them. Soon they would start coming to the fence to see what we had for them. As a former person, I had always thought cattle were somewhat dim. Not so the Dexters. They were interested in everything that went on. Wanda was more placid of the two so learned about getting back scratching well before Lacey. For our anniversary we had the Dexter viewing and Ken’s mom was thrilled to meet the girls. It was a great anni- versary present. In a couple of weeks we had the sheep and the heifers together with two pastures to graze down. Fencing Mr. T and Fiona our wood supply on as a windbreak. We man- Not for her the clean straw and fresh alfalfa We (Ken and Christopher) were in the aged to make a windbreak and for added com- in the shelter! process of fencing both sides of Cussed fort I piled up straw bales. The girls thought Wanda was an attentive mother, but was Creek as well as two additional pastures – one this was wonderful and soon there was a nice not at all concerned to see three humans run- that was along the north end of the property straw bed with only minimal shelter from the ning towards her and her calf. Christopher adjacent to the creek with bush and the other winds. However, we soon discovered the true picked up Emma and carried her back to the which would be a wintering area with a larger mettle of our four girls. The only way to lure shelter of the paddock. Wanda was heaped meadow and lots more bush. The raspberry u- them into the shelter was to put out alfalfa with praise for reproducing herself. She took pick was fenced off and gates were made for bales and lots of straw for sleeping. Usually everything in stride, calmly nursing her calf. access to the former rhea house which would they would come in to eat the alfalfa then out Lacey seemed to think we were making a big be winter shelter for our delicate heifers (ob- into the paddock. fuss over the ordinary. Morag and Fiona, the viously we didn’t know how hardy Dexters The only time they actually used the shel- calves, were entranced. In really are). ter was when, for a couple of days, we had fact, later in the summer Fiona was the of- In December, Christopher noticed an ad a windchill temperature of minus 51 C! As ficial babysitter. Our Kusvaz, Max, was be- for Belted Galloway calves for sale just south soon as the temperature eased they were all side himself. A new playmate! By June he of Stockholm. In the meantime, he had gotten back out enjoying the outside. We continued and Emma would have chase-me, chase-me a fantastic price on a small two horse trailer to entice them into the paddock for feedings games. When Emma had enough she would from one of the neighbours. Off we went and evenings. Otherwise they prowled the head for the bush and circle around to find with our Windstar van to pick up the two six- larger meadow and bush along with the sheep her mother. month old calves. Once we were a bit south of that were wintering over next to them and Added a bull Yorkton the road conditions were quite nasty. using the larger area as well. However, Ken was used to this as he showed The sheep started to lamb in January and By June 2008 we had added a Dexter Labrador Retrievers for years under similar being a hardy breed their lambs were outside bull, Mr. T., another cow, Sadoc, and her bull circumstances. With not too much trouble and running with the herd quickly. Wanda calf, Mini T from Mr. Kadatz’s herd in Rocky we loaded the calves and Wanda and Lacey waited until March 31 to present us with Mountain House, AB. In May, Christopher had company. Naturally the company learned Emma. We had been to town for groceries. I added Red Brownie Truffles, a Brown Swiss quite quickly that horned heifers eat first and was in the kitchen when Ken came bursting bred to a red Angus bull. She produced Little once the pecking order was established they in asking if I wanted to see our first calf. We Red on May 13. The new arrivals shared a settled down to making a happy herd. When have lots of pictures of Emma in the bush on pasture with the sheep and Red Brownie things started to get colder I thought we could top of a small hill where we had been taking Truffles and Little Red. Naturally the other use some of the wood pallets we use to dry small square bales to feed out of the wind. Continued on next page 10 CDCA Newsletter March 2009 Discovering Dexters (cont.) cow and heifers were interested in Mr. T. Down the road we hope to add delicious Bashaw, AB annual meeting as now that we With the fencing checked over and reinforced Dexter beef (another perk at the annual meet- have experienced the fun and great informa- in some places, the cow herd was combined. ing along with cream and homemade ice cream tion available at these meetings our hope is to Thinking we did not need another bull, we – aren’t you sorry you weren’t there?) to the attend lots more. castrated Mini T. Later in September we learn- lambs, turkeys, butchering , Cornish Our Dexter dream is continuing. We have ed how many producers of larger breeds are hens and eggs we currently are selling. come to really appreciate these smaller, but looking for Dexter bulls to help have smaller We are hoping someday to have summer much hardier, cows. Even Ken, who at the calves that gain weight better than the larger people come to stay (we have to build the ac- beginning was not going to be involved too calves. One of the reasons you attend the an- commodations first) to learn about heritage ani- much because of his asthma, has found them nual meeting is to meet other producers and mals and organic farming. In the meantime, we quite enjoyable to be around. discover another advantage of your breed. will be contacting local schools to arrange for To anyone who is in the Yorkton area and Ken and I were able to attend the an- tours in June so younger minds can be nurtured would like to see the “girls” and Mr. T as well nual meeting in Portage La Prairie, thanks to with visions of what can be done with a quarter as the rest of the mob, please give us a call Christopher taking care of things on the farm. section and small, but productive, cows. (306) 782-5650 and we’ll be happy to give After hearing of our wonderful experiences We hope at least one of us makes it to the you directions. he is anxious to attend the next one. Now in January 2009, plans are in the works to get my milking barn (see it’s never too late) so hopefully we will have a place to milk the Jerseys and two Dexter cows – maybe even the Brown Swiss that hasn’t been milked in seven years. Oh, almost forgot, Christopher has lined up a Canadienne cow which should be in place sometime this summer. We are looking forward to tasting all the heritage milk and enjoying the many good products. Now we just have to convince the Powers That Be that our small operation is not out to topple the big guys nor make any- one sick who should trek out to the farm to discover the tasty milk, cream, butter and yo- gurt we hope to have available. Mr. T AGM – facts and figures By Mary Ann Stevenson the fairgrounds. Classification is to start at 2 p.m. street dance hosted by the local establishments The Canadian Dexter Expo and Annual Gen- following the Annual General Meeting. The pur- for the rodeo. Cost of supper tickets (must be pre- eral Meeting this year will be held in co-ordina- pose of this event is to introduce people to the purchased) $20/person. You are on your own for tion with the annual Bashaw Pro Rodeo. Dexter breed and to host a classification of the the adventure of the street dance. Where: Bashaw, Alberta at the Fairgrounds animals. Judges will rate each animal against the Sunday and other venues around town. breed standard. This information will be provid- If there is enough interest voiced we can ar- When: June 12, 13 and 14, 2009 ed back to the owners so that they might be able range for farm tours. Please contact Mary Ann at Friday Evening to improve their animals and look at genetics. 1-866-708 2970. Arrival of people and animals. Cattle should arrive Friday and be on display to Accommodations Barns and wash facilities are available along the public for Saturday and Sunday. Local 4-H Camping is available on site, or at Pelican with parking for stock trailers. Camping is avail- will be in attendance to help breeders with their Point or any number of other campsites around able on site. General meet and greet in big barn. animals, if necessary. There will be room in the the lake. Wear your comfy clothes. big barn to set up individual farm displays should Hotels and motels are available in Camrose Saturday you choose. This is a great opportunity to show- (40 min.), Lacombe (45 min.), Ponoka (40 min.), Pancake breakfast available in co-ordination case your animals and market. Coffee will be Stettler (30 min.), Alix (30 min.) or in Bashaw with rodeo activities available at the big barn. Motor Inn 780-372-4024. Book early as this is Annual General Meeting will start at 8:30 Supper is a catered event by Apples Restau- rodeo weekend as well. a.m. Saturday (venue yet to be named as we want rant. We will be having door prizes and a silent This is a general schedule of events and there to make sure to have teleconferencing capability) auction. Immediately after supper there will be may be changes to follow. A complete itinerary Dexter Cattle Expo will be taking place at a speaker and then socializing. There will be a will follow. CDCA Newsletter March 2009 11 Guidelines for Dexters 1. General rear. Feet should have short toes, be deep heeled, level soled. The The Dexter is a dual purpose animal with both beef and dairy qual- length of the back from shoulder to tail set should be the same or ities. In judging, both of these qualities are essential. greater than the height of the animal at the shoulder. 2. Colour ● Cows Whole black, red and dun. All colours are of equal merit. A small Udder should be well attached, high and wide rear attachment, amount of white is allowed but only on the underline, udder area, or- carried well forward. Teats of medium size, well placed on the udder, gans of generation and the tassel of the tail. White forward of the navel hang plumb and are of equal size. Strong medial suspensory ligament. should be strongly discouraged. ● Bulls 3. Head Well hung testicles of even size, scrotum long and well away from Broad between the eyes tapering gracefully toward a broad muz- the body. zle. Strong jaws with an even bite. Eyes bright and prominent. Nostrils 7. Skin should be wide and distended. Size of the head in proportion to the Loose and pliable, hair short and sleek in summer, longer and body. thicker in winter. 4. Neck 8. Weight and Size Blending well into the shoulders, thick but not too short. Head As dual purpose animals, Dexters should not be overly short and should be carried well above the spine. leggy. Overly short animals cause milking problems and possible mat- 5. Horns ing problems. Leggy animals lose the beefy qualities. Both extremes Dexters may be horned or polled. When not disbudded, dehorned should be strongly discouraged. or polled, the horns should be moderately thick with an inward, slight- ● Cows ly upward curve. Bulls should not have as much of an upward curve At four years old, cows should not exceed 850 pounds. Height as the cow. Removal of the horns should not be penalized in the show should be between 36 and 44 inches at the hip. ring. ● Bulls 6. Body At four years old, bulls should not exceed 1,100 pounds. Height Breast prominent, chest floor wide, well sprung ribs, wide across should be between 38 and 46 inches at the hip. Overly large and tall the loin, quarters thick and deep, broad full hips, well rounded fleshy animals or extremely small, short animals are to be strongly discour- rump. Straight level topline with the tail set level with the spine. When aged as suitable breeding stock. Dexters in Canada are eligible for viewed from the rear, tail should run straight from the spine. Straight registration in accordance with the rules set out in the Canadian Dex- level underline. Good width between the front and back legs. Legs ter Cattle Association Constitution. should be moderate length, in proportion to body size, squarely placed NOTE: Guidelines are for breeding, selecting and judging pur- under the body, wide apart and perpendicular when viewed from the poses.

CANADIAN DEXTER CATTLE ASSOCIATION STATISTICS FOR 2008

PROVINCE REGISTR- TRANSFERS STANDARD ASSOCIATE JUNIOR ATIONS MEMBERS MEMBERS MEMBERS B.C. 22 40 15 0 0 Alberta 50 48 21 0 0 Saskatchewan 17 20 12 0 1 Manitoba 15 10 7 0 0 Ontario 15 47 22 0 0 Quebec 4 11 7 0 0 New 0 1 1 0 0 Brunswick Nova Scotia 0 2 1 0 0 TOTALS 123 179 86 0 1

– Compiled by the Canadian Livestock Records Corporation - Compiled by Canadian Livestock Records Corporation 12 CDCA Newsletter March 2009

Dexter Dairy Bar! By Liz Dickie Spring is almost here! Is that last winter storm or freezing temper- atures making a doubter of you? Well don’t despair, in our neck of the woods maple trees are being tapped in preparation for the sap running, seed orders are being made for spring planting, chickens are starting to lay again and ... yes, Dexters are starting to calve! While we try and have our girls calving in spring and fall, in order to insure a steady supply of milk, for most of my friends this is the time of year! So while you are doing the ‘heifer’ dance, have you thought about one or another of your girls that may be ready for milking? How do you get that cow ready? Well, what we do is to first have the cow get used to being stanchioned, while eating a special treat. Organic dairy mix or a leaf of special alfalfa hay are our girls’ preferences! We then slowly groom our girls, progressively moving down the back, (‘progressively’ may take weeks de- pending on the nature of the cow) until she is totally comfortable with our presence and touch. Finally we move to handling the udder, rubbing and pulling lightly at her teats. If this is done as a ritual, long before calving, she is usually relieved by us letting off some of the pressure from her udder after she calves. Even so, with first timers, my husband is the first to milk. We have a rule on our farm that if one of us is going to get a kick ... It’s going to be him! Although I think that’s my rule, not his! Are you considering milking by hand or by machine? If you are going to be milking by hand, a good strong stain- less steel, seamless tote is going to be a necessity and can be found at either Lehman’s http://www.lehmans.com/shop- ping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=617&itemType=PROD UCT&RS=1&keyword=742405&KickerID=161&KICKER or Hoegger’s http://hoeggergoatsupply.com/xcart/home.php two dairy supply mail order companies in the States. Also, you need to find a good solid, small stool. We found in the past that the single step stools at Canadian Tire work really well for sitting and milking the height of our girls. Or are you taking the plunge and getting a machine? Or are you lucky enough to already have one? Machines are really useful if you are milking more than one cow or, like me, have a disability, which makes hand milking difficult. So where do you find what you need? Well, if you have the money to invest in a new (or remade) portable milking system, there are a few places in the States that will sell you a complete kit – vacuum pump, milking bucket with pulsator and hoses: Parts Department On Line, http://www.partsdeptonline.com/ and Hamby’s, http://hambydairysupply.com/xcart/home.php are a couple CDCA Newsletter March 2009 13 Dexter Dairy Bar (cont) with a good range of models. I know a friend just bought one from another dealer that was less expensive, so look around, they are out there. A new system will probably cost $1,000 or more – quite a bit more than a $35 milk pail and $6 step stool! We got our old Delaval vacuum pump and buckets at a local auction. I think that we paid around $150 and then another $200 to have it installed, pulsators repaired, etc. So ask around at your local feed store and check local agri-listings and auctions. The farmer down the road might have a dusty old pump and bucket. After all, it wasn’t too long ago that families still milked a cow or two. A new or ‘found’ vacuum pump with a motor of ¼ to ½ horsepower is sufficient for one or two cows and there are really just two different models or types of milk bucket. There is the Delaval or remade copy, Dexter Dairy Bar! which is actually the easiest for Dexters since it requires no adaptation. As you can see, the hose to the bucket is long and so it will sit on the ground beside the cow. This makes it a great choice for cows that are small like ours, 40-42 inches but there are more replacement parts and, depending on the style of lid, they may or may not be available now. The second style of bucket and one that really hasn’t changed from its inception in 1922 to 1999, is the Surge Belly milker. It was designed with a leather belt to hang from the cow’s belly, with short black hoses from the pulsator and bucket to the teat cups. Well, hanging a 15-inch bucket on the belly of a 40-inch cow is a non starter! So we revamped our Surge with longer 20-inch silicone hoses and the photo to the right shows how it looks. Hand tote or machine bucket, whichever you use to bring in the milk, will need to be filtered before drinking. There is a funnel type permanent filter available from Glengarry Cheesemaking Supply but I find this awkward because I use glass gallon jars found from restaurant recycling to store my milk, so for me it’s the non-gauze 6½-inch filters from KenAg and a canning funnel. Now your milk is ready to be cooled down and soon comes that brimming glass of fresh, cold, sweet, Dexter milk! One taste guarantees that you will never want to return to store bought! ● ● ● Finally, there is a new genetic test available for our cow to discover whether her milk is A1 or A2. What are A1 and A2 milk? Well depending on who you are speaking to, A2 milk is either the greatest potential health discovery as far as milk is concerned or a big commercial scam. Without getting too detailed about the chemical composition of milk, A1 and A2 are genetic variants of beta- caseins in milk. There are a lot more, up to 11 others, but for our discussion these are the two in question. The claims of A2 milk enthusiasts are that the milk is easier to digest, hypo-allergenic and safer for hu- man consumption. They claim that A1 milk beta-casein has an ability to penetrate an undeveloped child’s pancreas tissue and thus is instrumental in causing child diabetes and that it potentially contributes to autism and to future heart problems in people. There are a number of studies that both support and refute these claims and a simple Internet search will lead you to all of them! Holstein-Friesians, which make up the greatest proportion of commercial dairies, for the most part are A1 milk producers and the Guernsey Association says that Guernsey cows tested over 90% for producing the A2 beta-casein. How do Dexters fare? Well there is no set answer to that and a lot of breeders in both the States and Canada are having their herds tested. The results appear to be 50-50. Right now the test, using hair/root follicles, is offered through Texas A&M University for $35 US. If enough Dexter owners are interested in having this test done, we should contact our Executive and ask that they try and get us a preferred rate on bulk testing. If you are in a rush, you can contact Dr. Gus Cothran Lab, CVM, VIBS, (979) 845-0229 for instructions. Well happy spring everyone ... yes I know it’s coming! It’s back to the cheesepot for me … Send comments or suggestions to [email protected] 14 CDCA Newsletter March 2009 CDCA Promotional Items Book (Four in stock): My Love Affair With the Dexter by Beryl Rutherford...... $35.00 Knife: Wood inlay handle – 2¾ inch blade – nylon pouch...... $12.00 BBQ set: 12 piece stainless – plastic case...... $32.00 Bag: Unbleached cotton – 14 x 16 inches – *choice of crest colour...... $10.00 Apron: White cotton – bib style – choice of crest colour (black, dun or red)...... $10.00 Hoodies: Black with dun crest – small, medium, large, extra large Brown with black crest – sizes as above...... $45.00 Hats: Ball – cotton – black with dun crest Military style – cotton – black with dun crest...... $20.00 Hoodies and hats can be special-ordered in other colours and styles at your request. Prices may vary. Shipping costs are included in the listed price. Please make cheque payable to the Canadian Dexter Cattle Association. You may order by mail: M Bjerland, Box 297, Pense, Sask. S0G 3W0 or e-mail: [email protected] Advertising Rates Size Member Non-Member 1/8 page...... $7.35 $14.70 1/4 page...... $13.65 $27.30 1/2 page...... $26.25 $52.50 Full Page...... $47.25 $94.50 Bus. card Member Non-Member 1 issue...... $7.35 $14.70 4 issues...... $26.25 $52.50

Prices include GST All ads are printed at the discretion of the CDCA Board of Directors All advertising must be PAID IN ADVANCE CDCA Newsletter March 2009 15

Canadian Livestock Records Corporation CANADIAN DEXTER CATTLE ASSOCIATION FEE SCHEDULE Effective January 1, 2008 ADD 13% HST TO ALL FEES FOR RESIDENTS OF NB, NS AND NFLD ADD 5% GST TO ALL FEES FOR RESIDENTS OF ALL OTHER PROVINCES Annual membership...... 50.00 Annual membership for a new member or a member rejoining after a lapse of 3 years or more...... 25.00 Junior membership...... 5.00 Associate membership (non-resident)...... 50.00 REGISTRATION OF ANIMALS: N.B. All male calves must be DNA typed in order to be registered. Males under 24 months of age...... 20.00 Females under 12 months of age...... 20.00 Males 24 months and over...... 40.00 Females 12 months and over...... 40.00 Registration of an animal produced by embryo transfer or AI: same as above for each age group. Registration of an imported animal...... 50.00 Registration or transfer of an embryo...... 15.00 Change of name of recorded animal...... 30.00 Registration of a herd name (Prefix)...... 20.00 Registration of tattoo letters...... 20.00 Transfer of a herd name...... 25.00 Registration of lease...... 30.00 Transfer of tattoo letters...... 25.00 Transfer of ownership (live animals)...... 25.00 Transfer of ownership of 5 to 10 animals from same seller to same buyer in same submission...... 20.00 Transfer of ownership of 11 animals or more from same seller to same buyer in same submission...... 17.50 Each transfer of lease or ownership to wind up an estate or where a parent takes a son or daughter into partnership,or where a son or daughter enters into partnership with a parent to one of his or her children, or forms an incorporated com- pany within an immediate family, or where a partnership is dissolved and a transfer made of the partnership animals to one or more continuing partners, provided there is no financial consideration involved...... 12.50 Replacement of lost, destroyed or unobtainable certificates...... 20.00 New certificates...... 20.00 Reject fee...... 15.00 Rush fee (except for export)...... 15.00 NON-MEMBERS (Fees are double that of members’ fees for all transactions) Subscription to newsletter only...... *15.00 IF AN ANIMAL IS SOLD BEFORE BEING REGISTERED, THE REGISTRATION AND EACH CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP IS CHARGED FOR AT THE REGULAR RATE.

Fees are to be paid by VISA, Master Card or by cheque or money order payable to: CANADIAN LIVESTOCK RECORDS CORPORATION 2417 HOLLY LANE, OTTAWA, ON K1V 0M7 Telephone. (613)731-7110 Fax (613)731-0704 E-mail: [email protected] Internet: www.clrc.ca 16 CDCA Newsletter March 2009