South Devon Cattle: Characteristics, Uses and Complete Breed Information

South Devon cattle are an excellent breed of cattle from England, bred for milk and meat production. The breed originates from the counties of Cornwall and Devon in South West England.

It is a special breed of cattle from the 16th century. This breed is the largest of the native British cattle breeds, but is not related to Devon cattle, which also originated in England.

South Devon cattle are thought to be descended from the great red cattle of Normandy. Normandy red cattle were imported during the Norman invasion of England. Through over 100 years of selection for productivity, South Devon cattle have developed exceptional bovine and maternal qualities.

In 1800 it was approved as a breed. At the start of the 20th century, the breed was considered a dual-purpose animal. And since the 1960s, the breed has been used as a pure meat breed. But more recently there have been attempts to reintroduce the South Devon breed of cattle into dairy farming.

Today the breed is available in many countries around the world. And they are mainly used for meat production. The South Devon Herd Book Society, which is the breed’s official governing body, was founded in 1891.

And this breed has become one of 14 cattle breeds whose herds date back to the second half of the 19th century. Learn more about this breed of cattle below.

Characteristics of South Devon Cattle

South Devon cattle are large animals that are rich, medium red in color with a copper tint, although they vary in hue and may even appear slightly mottled.

They are the largest of the native British cattle breeds. They are available in horned and horned versions. Bulls grow faster and mature much earlier.

The cows are also precocious and can calve around the age of 2 years. Cows weigh on average about 600 to 700 kg.

And the average body weight of bulls is 1200-1600 kg. Although the largest recorded bulls weighed 2000 kg. Photos and information from Wikipedia.

Advantages

These animals have a dual purpose. Although they are now primarily bred as a beef cattle breed for meat production.

Special Notes

South Devon cattle are now firmly established on five continents. They are exceptionally adaptable to different climatic conditions and are very hardy.

And wherever they have been introduced, the breed has been well received and performed well both in terms of production and profitability. The first South Devon cattle were brought to the United States in 1969.

And South Devon North American Association was established in 1974 to develop, register and promote this cattle breed in the United States.

These animals are also available in most states of Australia. They were brought from England to Australia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. See the complete profile of this breed in the following table.