Milking Devon

The Milking Devon has been bred (in the USA) from the Devon which originated in Britain that is supposed to be descended from the same aboriginal breed as the Hereford and the Sussex.

In 1623, two heifers and a bull from north Devonshire, England, were received by a member of the Plymouth Colony. They were the first importation of cattle from Britain, although the Spanish had introduced cattle in the south. Their immediate value was as draft animals. Cattle from Devonshire had long been recognized in England for their speed, intelligence, strength, willingness to work, and ability to prosper on course forage, in a wide range of climates.

In later years, other cattle were imported and contributed to the American Devon, which developed as the ideal multipurpose breed. None could surpass it for draft work; the milk was good for cream and cheese making; and the carcass developed fine beef on poor forage.

In more recent times, the importance of cattle for draft animals has all but disappeared and the Devon has been replaced by high producing dairy breeds like the Holstein and Jersey, with whom it could not compete for quantity.

In 1952, the American Devon Cattle Club decided that the breed had to move into a specialist beef market in order to survive.

At that time, a small group of breeders decided to form a separate association for dairy cattle and maintain triple-purpose stock. That association slowly dwindled, but thanks to their efforts, many of their animals can be traced into the new registry which was reformed in 1978. This registry represents a gene pool of genuine triple-purpose cattle able to survive and be productive under minimal management conditions in a harsh environment.    more...

Upcoming Milking Devon Cattle Shows and Events

The Royal Highland Show
     Location: Royal Highland Show Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh, EH28 8NB
     When: Thursday 25th to Sunday 28th June 2009

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The Royal Welsh Show
     Location: Llanelwedd, Builth Wells, Powys, Wales, LD2 3SY, Powys, United Kingdom
     When: Monday 20th to Thursday 23rd July 2009

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Dairy Event & Livestock Show 2009
     Location: Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, CV8 2LZ
     When: Wednesday 23rd to Thursday 24th September 2009

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Latest Milking Devon Breed News

Friday, August 03, 2007
Foot and Mouth Disease confirmed in cattle, in Surrey, UK
UK - DEFRA have confirmed that following an investigation of suspected vesicular disease on a holding near Guildford in Surrey,...

More News...

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