Cattle : BRITISH WHITE

Species: Bos taurus

Country of Origin: Great Britain

Australian Status:

International status:

Arrived in Australia:

Australian Population: 370 cows, 704 counting upgrades. 2019 estimate over 600 registered breeding females.
2022: 749 females registered of breeding age, 106 bulls of breeding age, in 29 herds.

Distribution:

History: The British White is one of the oldest breeds in Britain with direct links with the ancient indigenous wild white cattle of Great Britain. This breed originated from Whalley Abbey, Lancashire, the herd was dispersed in 1697 and spread to other areas.

In 1765 some of the original white polled cattle from this farm were taken to Norfolk by Mary Assheton, into Gunton Park. Gunton Park cattle are said to have been the foundations of two herds, one near Aylsham which not much is known about but became almost extinct by the plague in 1860, only two animals remained. From these two the herd was built up again to help in the foundation of many other herds. The second herd founded from Gunton stock was that at Woodbastwick, established in 1840, by the purchase of one or two animals at a sale held by the fourth Lord Suffield.

Despite similar looks to White Park and White Galloway, British Whites are genetically different. They were once known as Park cattle, so to clear any confusion were dubbed British White.

First brought to Australia in 1958. In 1984 more purebreds came in, and in 1986 English semen was made available. In these ways more pure lines have been built up

Breed traits: British white cattle are white, either red pointed or black pointed. The black hooves are complimented by black points on the legs usually. Despite the white hair, the skin is a dark pigment. Some have extensive black scattered over the white hide; some a few speckles. Polled.

A very docile breed, a delight to handle and show. Now a beef breed, they were originally dual purpose milk and beef. The cows have well shaped udders so calves can suckle from all quarters by turn, to gain maximum growth. The black points make strong hooves, and protect their eyes, noses and udders from sunburn. They enjoy the sun and are very tolerant of hot climates.

The cows are excellent mothers, and have strongly retained the ancient herd system of one minding the nursery of calves while the rest gaze and water. A hardy breed that thrives on rough grazing. Calve easily.

Organisation: The British White Cattle Society of Australia Ltd., the original Society formed 1983 http://www.britishwhitecattleaustralia. com.au/  

Additional Notes:

Photo: British White bull on Foxridge Farm Arabian Stud, Coff's Harbour, NSW. Kindly supplied by owner and manager Lisa Smith.

Page by Janet Lane

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