CATTLE: Devon

RARE BREEDS TRUST OF AUSTRALIA

CATTLE: Devon

Devon bull

Country of Origin

England

Australian Status

Uses

Beef

Breed Traits

The Devon, also known as the North Devon to distinguish it from the South Devon cattle, is an extremely efficient, highly fertile breed, which thrives in harsh conditions. They are noted for their ease in calving, high milk production, excellent mothering abilities, and docile natures. They also exhibit a remarkable tolerance to bloating.

Nicknamed Red Rubies, they are deep red in colour, with medium length hair that becomes long and curly in the winter. There exist both naturally polled, and naturally horned lines.

Mature bulls: 600 to 750kg
Mature cows: 425 to 600 kg

History

One of the oldest breeds of cattle, possibly tracing their origins back to prehistoric times. The Romans in 55 BC took note and recorded herds of red cattle in the areas of Devon, Somerset, Cornwall, and Dorset. They have existed and been recognised as a distinct breed of cattle for the last 250 years.

The Devon Herdbook was formed by Colonel John Tanner Davy in 1850. In 1884 the Devon Cattle Breeders Society was organised, and continues through to today under that name.

History in Australia

The first specific reference to Devon cattle in Australia occurs in 1820 by John Macarthur, although they may have been among the cattle arriving with the first fleet, and the other early settlers.

In 1935 Hunter White was elected chairman and first president of the Devon Society, now the Devon Cattle Breeders' Society of Australia. A complete history of the breed in Australia may be found on their website.