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9 Red Cow Breeds

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Red cows come in different shades, from deep red to light red, dark red, red-pied, red with white patches, etc. Red cows are not hard to come by. But some breeds are rare, and some are in danger of becoming extinct.

Of course, when choosing a breed to raise, rarity is one of the factors you want to consider. You may have to pay a steep sum to get a rare breed, or you may have a hard time finding one in the first place.

In this article, we review 9 red cow breeds. We go over their physical attributes, origin, productivity, and uses.

Devon Cattle

two red devon cattle on meadow

The Devon Cattle is a breed indigenous to the southwestern English county of Devon. Besides Devon, this ancient breed is considered to be native to Somerset, Cornwall, and Dorset. 

Devon Cattle generally have red coats, which may vary from light red to rich, deep red.

Devon Cattle have medium-thick hair. The hair is short and sleek in summer but long and curly in winter. They also have creamy white horns and tail switch. 

Devon Cattle are medium to large-sized. At maturity, a Devon Bull can weigh an average of 1697-2204 pounds while cows weigh 947-1300 pounds. 

In the past, Devon Cattle were used as a dual-purpose breed. In recent times they are raised mainly for meat production. 

Red Angus

red angus cow portrait blurry background

The Red Angus is a cow breed with similar origins to the Aberdeen Angus. It was introduced into Scotland and England by Vikings from Europe. 

As the name suggests, Red Angus Cattle have red coats, and they are naturally polled. However, the black variation of this breed is more common and fashionable than the red version.

Red Angus cattle have a similar conformation to Aberdeen Angus. They are medium-sized animals with beefy carcasses. At maturity, Red Angus Bulls weigh an average of 1873 pounds. Cows, on the other hand, weigh around 1212 pounds. 

Red Angus Cattle are reared for their superior meat quality. They are pretty hardy, gentle, and easy to work with. Female Red Angus cattle have strong maternal instincts and are excellent milk producers. 

Danish Red Cattle

Danish Red Cattle grazing countryside

The Danish Red Cattle is a dairy breed indigenous to northern Europe. It is also known as Fünen, Red Dane, Rødt DanskMalkekvog, and Red Danish. Danish Red Cattle are strong and hardy, and they can adapt to different climates. 

Danish Red Cattle usually have red coats with a few variations. Bulls have coats with a dark red tinge. Both sexes of the Danish Red Cattle have small horns. Since they have a typical dairy conformation, they have well-developed udders. 

Danish Red Cattle are medium to large-sized. At maturity, the bulls weigh an average of 2204 pounds, while cows weigh around 1455 pounds. Danish Red Cattle are dual-purpose; they can be raised for both meat and milk production. 

In tropical countries, Danish Red Cattle are a popular choice for crossbreeding. This preference is due to their solid red color. They are also very fertile and have excellent immune systems. 

Lincoln Red Cattle 

Lincoln Red Cattle and calf in the farm

The Lincoln Red Cattle is an old breed indigenous to Lincolnshire in eastern England. It was developed in the 1800s, a popular period for livestock improvement and breed development. 

Lincoln Red Cattle usually have a uniform dark red coat. Their dark red coat ensures they get protection from cancer and sunburn. They also have pink, soft skins with broad muzzles and foreheads. Lincoln Red Cattle are naturally polled, with short faces. 

Lincoln Red Cattle are large-sized, and they come with reasonably large frames. At maturity, they weigh an average of 1499-2403 pounds. 

Lincoln Red Cattle were originally a dual-purpose cattle breed. But these days, they are reared mainly for meat production. Lincoln Reds are efficient and hardy, requiring minimal care for survival. They are also docile and have an excellent temperament. 

Red Poll Cattle

Herd of red poll cows pasturing in green valley

The Red Poll Cattle came from crossing the Suffolk Dun dairy cattle and Norfolk Red beef cattle. This breed was developed in England in the late 19th century.

Red Poll Cattle have red or deep red coats, with some having white patches on their udder and tail switch. They are naturally polled with no horns. 

Red Poll Cattle are generally medium-sized animals. At maturity, a Red Poll Bull can weigh an average of 1798 pounds, while cows weigh 1212 pounds.

Red Poll Cattle are dual-purpose animals: they can be bred for both meat and milk production. They typically have long lifespans, and they adapt well to various climates.

Norwegian Red Cattle

Norwegian Red Cattle and calf on summer pasture

The Norwegian Red Cattle is a domestic cattle breed developed in Norway in the 1970s. It was developed by crossing several Scandinavian cattle breeds like Swedish Red-and-Whites, Norwegian Red-and-Whites, Holsteins, Red Trondheims, and Friesians with dairy cattle breeds. 

Norwegian Red Cattle appear in a variety of different beautiful colors. They usually have red or red-pied coats with white patches. Norwegian Red Cattle were originally horned. But due to selective breeding, most of them are now polled.

Norwegian Red Cattle are generally medium to large-sized. At maturity, Norwegian Red Bulls weigh an average of 2866 pounds. The cows, on the other hand, weigh around 1322 pounds. The average height of a Norwegian Red Bull is 4.7 feet at the withers, while cows are 4.4 feet at the withers. 

Norwegian Red Cattle are dual-purpose – bred for meat and milk. But these days, they are primarily raised for milk production. 

Norwegian Red Cattle are disease-resistant breeds with a long lifespan. They are also hardy in almost any climate.  

Belmont Red Cattle

The Belmont Red Cattle is a beef cattle indigenous to Australia. It was developed in 1954 by the CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization). It was developed in response to the need for cattle that could improve the fertility of the Zebu Cattle.

Belmont Red Cattle have red short-haired coats with occasional white markings. They are generally medium-sized with a fast growth rate. In as early as 10-14 months, they mature. 

Belmont Red Cattle are reared mainly for meat production, and accordingly, they produce quality meat. They are calm and docile, with superior heat tolerance and high resistance to ticks.

Considering their heat tolerance, it is not surprising that Belmont Red Cattle are well-adapted to tropical and temperate environments. 

Belgian Red Cattle

closeup photo of Belgian Red Cattle in the farm

The Belgian Red Cattle is also known by the following names, Rouge de Belgique, Red Flemish, Rood ras van België, West Flemish, and West Flemish Red. It was developed in the West Flanders region of Belgium as a multi-purpose cow breed. Unfortunately, it is currently in danger of becoming extinct. 

Belgian Red Cattle have red coats with a few white patches on their legs, head, udder, and dewlap. Both sexes of this breed are horned. 

Belgian Red Cattle are generally large and heavy animals. At maturity, Belgian Red Bulls weigh an average of 2645 pounds, while cows weigh around 1543 pounds. The average height of a Belgian Red Bull is 5.0 feet at the withers, while cows are 4.5 feet at the withers. 

Belgian Red Cattle are dual-purpose; they are bred for meat and milk production. They may also be used as draught animals. 

Polish Red Cattle

The Polish Red cattle are a rare dual-purpose cattle breed indigenous to Poland. It was developed in the late 19th century and is known for its adaptability to harsh environments.

The coat of a Polish Red Cattle ranges from red to dark red. They have dark nostrils, claws, and bright horns with dark ends. Although Polish Red Cattle grow more slowly than most cattle breeds, they are medium-sized animals.

At maturity, a Polish Red Bull weighs an average of 1102-1212 pounds, while cows weigh around 881-1102 pounds.

Polish Red Cattle are dual-purpose and raised for both meat and milk production. They also make good draught animals. Polish Red Cattle are highly disease-resistant and do not demand a lot when it comes to feeding.

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