South Devon
The Gentle Giant
South Devon cattle, are the largest of the British Native breeds. They are believed to have descended from the large red cattle of Normandy which were imported during the Norman invasion of England. The breed is a rich, medium red with copper tints, though it varies in shade and can even appear slightly mottled. The breed today is predominately used for beef production although it has been milked in the past.
Well known for its strong maternal and beef qualities, the South Devon is commercially placed in the modern suckler herd, both intensive and extensive. Its many attributes lend itself well to crossing with other native and continental breeds to suit individual beef producers' specific requirements, whilst also enabling the pedigree breeder to produce excellent suckler replacements and terminal sires, and top quality marbled beef.
Characteristics
Fertility:
Animal scientists claim that fertility is the most important factor in any production system. Over the years South Devon females have maintained a favourable fertility profile, which compares well with the national age at first calving and inter-calving averages for all breeds. In fact 75% of South Devon herds achieve an average ICP of below 400 days. The average ICP of the breed during the last three calving seasons was 381, 395 and 386 days respectively. In all three calving seasons the South Devons achieved the best ICP of all breeds participating in the National Beef Cattle Performance Testing Scheme of the ARC. There have been many instances of longevity of the South Devon cow and they still breed regularly up to a high age.
Docile Temperament:
South Devons are renowned for their docile temperament and ease of handling. These outstanding characteristics make the South Devon the ideal breed to use in crossbreeding programmes with breeds where temperament may be a problem. The emerging farmer experiencing the lack of proper handling facilities can definitely benefit from the docility of the South Devon. South Devons are a pleasure to work with!
Milk Production:
South Devons being a dual-purpose breed are renowned for their milk and butterfat production ability. In fact some stud breeders still milk their South Devons on a daily basis. Breeding programmes therefore often include the South Devon bull with the object of producing a cross to generate higher milk yields for quicker calf growth and maximum weaner weights. Cross heifers are highly sought after as commercial cows, the advantage being milk and conformation. The resulting higher weaning weights reflect milk production and growth potential. The mothering ability of the South Devon cow is excellent.
High Wean to Cow Ratio:
South Devon cows have a favourable ratio between their own weight at weaning and the corresponding weight of calves. In fact the breed annually performs exceptionally well in this regard and constantly achieves a position in the Top 5 of all breeds participating in the scheme. The high weaning weight ratio reflects milk production and growth potential.
Ease of Calving:
Ease of calving is not negotiable for any commercial or stud breeder. The average birth weight for the South Devon Breed during the last five calving seasons was 37.6 kg. The average birth weight during the 2010 calving season was 36.4 kg.
Good Hooves, Legs and Sheaths:
South Devons do not have any sheath problems. The South Devon can play a significant role in crossbreeding programmes with breeds where sheath problems may occur. Functionally correct legs and hooves are characteristics of the breed, which contribute to the South Devon being a hardy animal with the ability to walk long distances.
Growth and Feed Conversion:
South Devons have excellent weight-for-age gains. South Devon bulls are subjected to growth tests in terms of Phase C of the National Beef Cattle Improvement Scheme at the various central performance testing stations. Bulls frequently achieve a Top 5 position for ADG and FCR and subsequently the breed can boast some of the best figures in this regard. The society encourages breeders to participate in Phase D on farm growth tests and almost 60-80 bulls are annually growth tested on natural veld conditions.
High Slaughter Out Percentage and Carcass Quality:
South Devons are renowned for their good quality carcass with a high slaughter out percentage. This makes the South Devon the perfect animal to use in either pure or crossbreeding purposes! South Devons produce the lean beef now being demanded by the housewife. There is no superfluous fat, but the meat is well marbled. The slaughter out percentage is usually in the region of 60 percent. The future demand will undoubtedly be for beef of this description, with economic cuts of desirable meat, a high slaughter out percentage and finally, satisfied butchers and consumers. The South Devon is often described as the ideal butcher's beast.
Adaptability:
Breeders are spread throughout the country and yet South Devons thrive under all the vastly different climatic conditions found, thus showing remarkable adaptability. The adaptability of the South Devon can be attributed to the fact that they are extremely good grazers and should supplementary feeding be given during winter months, they still go out and make use of the veld.
Red Colour:
The medium red colour of the South Devon, with a smooth coat makes them extremely heat tolerant. The South Devon has excellent eye pigmentation. The red colour insures financial benefits for commercial breeders, since red is often the preferred colour in the South African beef industry.
Animal scientists claim that fertility is the most important factor in any production system. Over the years South Devon females have maintained a favourable fertility profile, which compares well with the national age at first calving and inter-calving averages for all breeds. In fact 75% of South Devon herds achieve an average ICP of below 400 days. The average ICP of the breed during the last three calving seasons was 381, 395 and 386 days respectively. In all three calving seasons the South Devons achieved the best ICP of all breeds participating in the National Beef Cattle Performance Testing Scheme of the ARC. There have been many instances of longevity of the South Devon cow and they still breed regularly up to a high age.
Docile Temperament:
South Devons are renowned for their docile temperament and ease of handling. These outstanding characteristics make the South Devon the ideal breed to use in crossbreeding programmes with breeds where temperament may be a problem. The emerging farmer experiencing the lack of proper handling facilities can definitely benefit from the docility of the South Devon. South Devons are a pleasure to work with!
Milk Production:
South Devons being a dual-purpose breed are renowned for their milk and butterfat production ability. In fact some stud breeders still milk their South Devons on a daily basis. Breeding programmes therefore often include the South Devon bull with the object of producing a cross to generate higher milk yields for quicker calf growth and maximum weaner weights. Cross heifers are highly sought after as commercial cows, the advantage being milk and conformation. The resulting higher weaning weights reflect milk production and growth potential. The mothering ability of the South Devon cow is excellent.
High Wean to Cow Ratio:
South Devon cows have a favourable ratio between their own weight at weaning and the corresponding weight of calves. In fact the breed annually performs exceptionally well in this regard and constantly achieves a position in the Top 5 of all breeds participating in the scheme. The high weaning weight ratio reflects milk production and growth potential.
Ease of Calving:
Ease of calving is not negotiable for any commercial or stud breeder. The average birth weight for the South Devon Breed during the last five calving seasons was 37.6 kg. The average birth weight during the 2010 calving season was 36.4 kg.
Good Hooves, Legs and Sheaths:
South Devons do not have any sheath problems. The South Devon can play a significant role in crossbreeding programmes with breeds where sheath problems may occur. Functionally correct legs and hooves are characteristics of the breed, which contribute to the South Devon being a hardy animal with the ability to walk long distances.
Growth and Feed Conversion:
South Devons have excellent weight-for-age gains. South Devon bulls are subjected to growth tests in terms of Phase C of the National Beef Cattle Improvement Scheme at the various central performance testing stations. Bulls frequently achieve a Top 5 position for ADG and FCR and subsequently the breed can boast some of the best figures in this regard. The society encourages breeders to participate in Phase D on farm growth tests and almost 60-80 bulls are annually growth tested on natural veld conditions.
High Slaughter Out Percentage and Carcass Quality:
South Devons are renowned for their good quality carcass with a high slaughter out percentage. This makes the South Devon the perfect animal to use in either pure or crossbreeding purposes! South Devons produce the lean beef now being demanded by the housewife. There is no superfluous fat, but the meat is well marbled. The slaughter out percentage is usually in the region of 60 percent. The future demand will undoubtedly be for beef of this description, with economic cuts of desirable meat, a high slaughter out percentage and finally, satisfied butchers and consumers. The South Devon is often described as the ideal butcher's beast.
Adaptability:
Breeders are spread throughout the country and yet South Devons thrive under all the vastly different climatic conditions found, thus showing remarkable adaptability. The adaptability of the South Devon can be attributed to the fact that they are extremely good grazers and should supplementary feeding be given during winter months, they still go out and make use of the veld.
Red Colour:
The medium red colour of the South Devon, with a smooth coat makes them extremely heat tolerant. The South Devon has excellent eye pigmentation. The red colour insures financial benefits for commercial breeders, since red is often the preferred colour in the South African beef industry.
Breed Standards
Colour & Coat:
Strong, curly coat of light medium red colour. Any white under-body undesirable particularly in front of the navel. Hide loose and pliable.
Head:
Broad and kindly in appearance, with broad and uniformly pink nose and muzzle, free from blue (blotches) and smut (black hairs around lips). Horns, if present, should be white or yellow and curve downwards. Ears set well forward and of a good size.
Shoulders:
Not prominent, blending neatly with a deep body.
Body:
Deep and full in girth. Ribs well sprung, even and extending well back along the spine. Deep in the flank giving a level underline and not an extended gut. Back straight with good width extending from behind the shoulders to the loin.
Hindquarters:
Rumps long, wide and square on top. The rounds wide and deep to hocks. The tail should be level set and blend neatly into the rumps. It should be strong with a good brush.
Temperament:
Docile.
Bull:
Masculine characteristics with size and flesh to attain 1,200 to 1,500 kgs at maturity. Testicles of substantial and even size and suspended equally and not twisted.
Cow:
Feminine appearance with good size and even flesh. Even shaped, well-attached udder with well-spaced, equal and moderately sized teats.
Legs & Feet:
Legs showing strong bone, flat rather than round below the hock. The hind legs reasonably straight and parallel with hocks well apart; the fore legs not wide apart and all having good sound feet, pointing directly forwards. Even locomotion with parallel tracking.
Strong, curly coat of light medium red colour. Any white under-body undesirable particularly in front of the navel. Hide loose and pliable.
Head:
Broad and kindly in appearance, with broad and uniformly pink nose and muzzle, free from blue (blotches) and smut (black hairs around lips). Horns, if present, should be white or yellow and curve downwards. Ears set well forward and of a good size.
Shoulders:
Not prominent, blending neatly with a deep body.
Body:
Deep and full in girth. Ribs well sprung, even and extending well back along the spine. Deep in the flank giving a level underline and not an extended gut. Back straight with good width extending from behind the shoulders to the loin.
Hindquarters:
Rumps long, wide and square on top. The rounds wide and deep to hocks. The tail should be level set and blend neatly into the rumps. It should be strong with a good brush.
Temperament:
Docile.
Bull:
Masculine characteristics with size and flesh to attain 1,200 to 1,500 kgs at maturity. Testicles of substantial and even size and suspended equally and not twisted.
Cow:
Feminine appearance with good size and even flesh. Even shaped, well-attached udder with well-spaced, equal and moderately sized teats.
Legs & Feet:
Legs showing strong bone, flat rather than round below the hock. The hind legs reasonably straight and parallel with hocks well apart; the fore legs not wide apart and all having good sound feet, pointing directly forwards. Even locomotion with parallel tracking.
Carcass Quality
South Devons meet current industry specifications for carcass and meat traits by providing a heavier carcass with a higher dressing percent.
The U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (MARC) data show South Devon crosses averaging 61 pounds heavier with a 0.9% higher dressing percent than Hereford-Angus cross (HA-X). MARC data also shows South Devons and HA-X both graded 76% Choice. This data coupled with data from the Colorado Great Western Beef Expo and ‘field results’ show that South Devon cattle have a high genetic potential for marbling. South Devon crosses averaged 0.16 inch less 12th rib fit thickness than HA-X (0.48 vs 0.64) inch. The average yield grade of 3.3 for South Devon crosses was slightly better than the yield grade of the HA-X. South Devon crosses also averaged 1.4% greater percentage retail product (mostly boneless) trimmed to 0.3 inch of fat cover than HA-X.
Colorado carcass data showed 319 crossbred South Devon steers and heifers grading 89% Choice, 63.3% yield grades 1 and 2 and an average 64.6 % yield.
Bud Burgess, South Devon breeder from Colorado who currently markets South Devon beef stated “South Devon cattle have a unique ability to marble well (high quality grades) and yield well (consistently over 65%). Most cattle breeds can only offer one or the other of these carcass characteristics.”
Pacific Northwest Washington state rancher Lee Engelhardt fed his entire crop of 200 South Devon calves at North Platte Feeders in North Platte, Nebraska. Out of 200 head, 84% graded Choice, 74% yield grades 1 and 2. There were no #4’s and no discounts or dark cutters. Englehardt stated “The higher the percent South Devon the better the cattle get.” He has also discovered that South Devon have more longevity than any other breed ever used on his ranch.
Purdue University studies showed that South Devon-sired calves had the highest net profit based on a common grid pricing scenario.
Tenderness:
The average South Devon steer finishes out at 13 to 15 months of age with an average weight of 1,150 to 1,250 pounds, a 62-65% hanging carcass, with a high yield grade average.
South Devon combine marbling with the lean yield and gain traits of the Continental breeds. The MARC data shows that South Devon surpasses other English breeds in retail product yield. At a recent Great Western Beef Expo, a pen of South Devons placed first on feed efficiency (4.52 conversion), second on average daily gain (4.03 lbs./hd/day) and first on lbs. feed/carcass gain.
In study after study, South Devon have risen to the top on carcass quality. When compared with 16 other breeds at MARC, the South Devon breed had the highest meat tenderness score of all beef breeds. These earlier tenderness findings from MARC have been confirmed by recent trials at Oklahoma State University. Combining 1994 and 1998 trial results, a total of 38 South Devon carcasses have been evaluated for tenderness. According to Warner-Bratzler Shear tests, 30 of the 38 carcasses were designated VERY TENDER (79%) and 6 of the remaining 8 were designated TENDER (16%). Average shear force required on the steaks from the 38 carcasses was 7.42 lbs.
MARC data indicated that steaks from South Devon crosses have lower Warner-Bratzler shear values than all other beef or dual-purpose breeds. Also, taste panel tenderness, flavor and juiciness scores tended to be higher for steaks from South Devon. The research results and field results show that South Devon cattle have very good marbling potential and produce meat that is very tender, flavorful and juicy.
The U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (MARC) data show South Devon crosses averaging 61 pounds heavier with a 0.9% higher dressing percent than Hereford-Angus cross (HA-X). MARC data also shows South Devons and HA-X both graded 76% Choice. This data coupled with data from the Colorado Great Western Beef Expo and ‘field results’ show that South Devon cattle have a high genetic potential for marbling. South Devon crosses averaged 0.16 inch less 12th rib fit thickness than HA-X (0.48 vs 0.64) inch. The average yield grade of 3.3 for South Devon crosses was slightly better than the yield grade of the HA-X. South Devon crosses also averaged 1.4% greater percentage retail product (mostly boneless) trimmed to 0.3 inch of fat cover than HA-X.
Colorado carcass data showed 319 crossbred South Devon steers and heifers grading 89% Choice, 63.3% yield grades 1 and 2 and an average 64.6 % yield.
Bud Burgess, South Devon breeder from Colorado who currently markets South Devon beef stated “South Devon cattle have a unique ability to marble well (high quality grades) and yield well (consistently over 65%). Most cattle breeds can only offer one or the other of these carcass characteristics.”
Pacific Northwest Washington state rancher Lee Engelhardt fed his entire crop of 200 South Devon calves at North Platte Feeders in North Platte, Nebraska. Out of 200 head, 84% graded Choice, 74% yield grades 1 and 2. There were no #4’s and no discounts or dark cutters. Englehardt stated “The higher the percent South Devon the better the cattle get.” He has also discovered that South Devon have more longevity than any other breed ever used on his ranch.
Purdue University studies showed that South Devon-sired calves had the highest net profit based on a common grid pricing scenario.
Tenderness:
The average South Devon steer finishes out at 13 to 15 months of age with an average weight of 1,150 to 1,250 pounds, a 62-65% hanging carcass, with a high yield grade average.
South Devon combine marbling with the lean yield and gain traits of the Continental breeds. The MARC data shows that South Devon surpasses other English breeds in retail product yield. At a recent Great Western Beef Expo, a pen of South Devons placed first on feed efficiency (4.52 conversion), second on average daily gain (4.03 lbs./hd/day) and first on lbs. feed/carcass gain.
In study after study, South Devon have risen to the top on carcass quality. When compared with 16 other breeds at MARC, the South Devon breed had the highest meat tenderness score of all beef breeds. These earlier tenderness findings from MARC have been confirmed by recent trials at Oklahoma State University. Combining 1994 and 1998 trial results, a total of 38 South Devon carcasses have been evaluated for tenderness. According to Warner-Bratzler Shear tests, 30 of the 38 carcasses were designated VERY TENDER (79%) and 6 of the remaining 8 were designated TENDER (16%). Average shear force required on the steaks from the 38 carcasses was 7.42 lbs.
MARC data indicated that steaks from South Devon crosses have lower Warner-Bratzler shear values than all other beef or dual-purpose breeds. Also, taste panel tenderness, flavor and juiciness scores tended to be higher for steaks from South Devon. The research results and field results show that South Devon cattle have very good marbling potential and produce meat that is very tender, flavorful and juicy.
Cross Breeding
A properly planned move into crossbreeding, making use of the benefits derived from hybrid vigor and the combining ability of different breeds, will increase profit per hectare for a beef enterprise.
The South Devon is a truly versatile breed, which produces premium quality beef characterised by low fat covering. South Devons improve the growth rates, milk production and carcass quality of other British breeds. They also improve the fertility, calving ease and efficiency of production of the large, lean European and tropical breeds. South Devons and Bos indicus breeds combine well when crossed. Their crossbred progeny retain the desirable Bos indicus traits and show improved live weight gains, muscling and temperament, which they inherit from the South Devon. These crosses also exhibit early maturity, which means that calves will finish at an earlier age and the female progeny come into their breeding and productive cycle earlier than other British breed and European breed crosses. South Devon cross Bos indicus females will have improved milk production and mothering ability, which results in the production of heavier weaners.
As a result, you can expect up to 20 percent increase in weight with the first cross and an additional increase with the second cross-calves. Incorporating South Devons in a crossbreeding programme will produce fast growing, leaner, higher yielding calves from other cow breeds or crosses.
The South Devon is regarded as the most docile of all breeds. This means less stress in cattle transported and in the yards, consequently less bruising and damage, lower weight losses and more red meat.
The South Devon is a truly versatile breed, which produces premium quality beef characterised by low fat covering. South Devons improve the growth rates, milk production and carcass quality of other British breeds. They also improve the fertility, calving ease and efficiency of production of the large, lean European and tropical breeds. South Devons and Bos indicus breeds combine well when crossed. Their crossbred progeny retain the desirable Bos indicus traits and show improved live weight gains, muscling and temperament, which they inherit from the South Devon. These crosses also exhibit early maturity, which means that calves will finish at an earlier age and the female progeny come into their breeding and productive cycle earlier than other British breed and European breed crosses. South Devon cross Bos indicus females will have improved milk production and mothering ability, which results in the production of heavier weaners.
As a result, you can expect up to 20 percent increase in weight with the first cross and an additional increase with the second cross-calves. Incorporating South Devons in a crossbreeding programme will produce fast growing, leaner, higher yielding calves from other cow breeds or crosses.
The South Devon is regarded as the most docile of all breeds. This means less stress in cattle transported and in the yards, consequently less bruising and damage, lower weight losses and more red meat.
Bull
With rapid growth and early maturity, a bull can begin to be used around 15-18 months of age.
Distinctively masculine and strong. Eyes well-placed, and clear with a bold calm expression
Testicles:
Must be well-developed and of equal size.
Must hang low in the scrotum.
Scrotum:
Must show a well-developed neck.
Distinctively masculine and strong. Eyes well-placed, and clear with a bold calm expression
Testicles:
Must be well-developed and of equal size.
Must hang low in the scrotum.
Scrotum:
Must show a well-developed neck.
Maternal Traits
South Devons have earned themselves the reputation of “The Maternal Beef Breed.” They possess the fertility, ease of calving and milking ability that make “maternal magic.”
South Devon cows are extremely fertile and quickly breed back. They range out in big country and adapt in a smaller operation while delivering a high fat index milk that deeps calves growing into the weaning period.
The proof of superiority of F-1 South Devon females is documented by one of the most comprehensive studies of South Devon in the U.S. at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (MARC), Clay Center, Nebraska. Economically important traits from conception to consumption were studied. Both Hereford and Angus dams were bred artificially to several sires of each of the breeds used in the study. (Cycle 1, Phase 2). The evidence was conclusive when comparing the beef breeds of South Devon, Limousin, Simmental and Charolais, only South Devons weaned a calf crop over 90 percent, actually 92 percent.
Historically, South Devons have been categorized as a dual purpose breed. They have very high milk solids for a beef breed with an average butterfat content of 4.2 percent. The MARC data ranks South Devon as one of the highest English breeds for milk production.
Breeding programs worldwide use a South Devon bull to produce a crossbred female that will generate higher milk yields that increase the growth potential of the calf and ultimately increase weaning weights.
The mothering ability and longevity of the South Devon cow is excellent. Lon Larson, manager of Circle 5 Ranches, Brewster, Nebraska stated “I needed to sell 200 cows out of 1200 because of the long drought in our area. We started to sort the old cows first. I discovered they were all South Devon and South Devon cross cows at 14-15 years of age.” He added: “They were the highest indexing cows in the herd the same year.”
A testament to the longevity of the South Devon cow comes from Lee Englehart, X-E Stock Ranch, Moses Lake, Washington, “Many of our South Devon cows are staying in production until they are 14-15 years of age and that alone adds significant profitability to an operation. When calving a large herd of cows with little help, good maternal traits are necessary. With South Devon you get exceptional maternal traits and the carcass traits come as an added bonus.”
Years of selective breeding have shown South Devon to be in line with other major beef breeds for birth and weaning weights.
South Devon cows are extremely fertile and quickly breed back. They range out in big country and adapt in a smaller operation while delivering a high fat index milk that deeps calves growing into the weaning period.
The proof of superiority of F-1 South Devon females is documented by one of the most comprehensive studies of South Devon in the U.S. at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (MARC), Clay Center, Nebraska. Economically important traits from conception to consumption were studied. Both Hereford and Angus dams were bred artificially to several sires of each of the breeds used in the study. (Cycle 1, Phase 2). The evidence was conclusive when comparing the beef breeds of South Devon, Limousin, Simmental and Charolais, only South Devons weaned a calf crop over 90 percent, actually 92 percent.
Historically, South Devons have been categorized as a dual purpose breed. They have very high milk solids for a beef breed with an average butterfat content of 4.2 percent. The MARC data ranks South Devon as one of the highest English breeds for milk production.
Breeding programs worldwide use a South Devon bull to produce a crossbred female that will generate higher milk yields that increase the growth potential of the calf and ultimately increase weaning weights.
The mothering ability and longevity of the South Devon cow is excellent. Lon Larson, manager of Circle 5 Ranches, Brewster, Nebraska stated “I needed to sell 200 cows out of 1200 because of the long drought in our area. We started to sort the old cows first. I discovered they were all South Devon and South Devon cross cows at 14-15 years of age.” He added: “They were the highest indexing cows in the herd the same year.”
A testament to the longevity of the South Devon cow comes from Lee Englehart, X-E Stock Ranch, Moses Lake, Washington, “Many of our South Devon cows are staying in production until they are 14-15 years of age and that alone adds significant profitability to an operation. When calving a large herd of cows with little help, good maternal traits are necessary. With South Devon you get exceptional maternal traits and the carcass traits come as an added bonus.”
Years of selective breeding have shown South Devon to be in line with other major beef breeds for birth and weaning weights.
10 Reasons
S - Succulent beef fed on grass
O - Opportunity to purchase quality
U - Unique amongst native cattle
T - Texture and taste
H - Healthy lifestyle
D - Dependable cookability
E - Experience Superior Quality
V - Value for money
O - Omega 3 for improved health
N - Naturally reared to high standards
O - Opportunity to purchase quality
U - Unique amongst native cattle
T - Texture and taste
H - Healthy lifestyle
D - Dependable cookability
E - Experience Superior Quality
V - Value for money
O - Omega 3 for improved health
N - Naturally reared to high standards
Worldwide
The breed is exceptionally adaptable to varying climatic conditions and is presently well established on five continents. Wherever they have been introduced South Devon cattle have been well accepted and exhibited strong performance for production and profitability.
South Devons were one of the few British breeds to have been selected for draught purposes as well as for beef and milk. The first importations into Australia were of milking cows carried on sailing ships. Several large importations occurred in the late 19th and early 20th centuries but the breed then lost its identity through crossbreeding. Importations from Britain took place in 1969, and the first purebred animals were imported from New Zealand in 1971. The breed occurs in most states of Australia.
The first South Devons were taken to the United States in 1969, and in 1974 the North American South Devon Association was formed for the purpose of development, registration and promotion of the South Devon breed in that country.
South Devon cattle were first imported to South Africa in 1897. This first importation to the Natal Midlands was followed in 1911 and 1915 by more importations to other parts of the country, notably to the former Transvaal and the Western Cape.
Goals:
South Devons were one of the few British breeds to have been selected for draught purposes as well as for beef and milk. The first importations into Australia were of milking cows carried on sailing ships. Several large importations occurred in the late 19th and early 20th centuries but the breed then lost its identity through crossbreeding. Importations from Britain took place in 1969, and the first purebred animals were imported from New Zealand in 1971. The breed occurs in most states of Australia.
The first South Devons were taken to the United States in 1969, and in 1974 the North American South Devon Association was formed for the purpose of development, registration and promotion of the South Devon breed in that country.
South Devon cattle were first imported to South Africa in 1897. This first importation to the Natal Midlands was followed in 1911 and 1915 by more importations to other parts of the country, notably to the former Transvaal and the Western Cape.
Goals:
- To maintain triennial World Association Congresses for the purpose of international contact, communication, education and trade.
- To improve international communication by exchanging national journals, magazines and newsletters between countries.
- To facilitate an international youth travel sponsorship and or an international youth exchange for approved junior members.
- To establish and maintain a register of AI bulls and embryos currently available for export from each member country.
Links
Photos courtesy of the South Devon Cattle Breeders' Society of South Africa