Whitebred Shorthorn
Fertility - Locomotion - Longevity
Whitebred Shorthorn is a British type of beef cattle originating in north west England and south west Scotland. It is derived from Shorthorn cattle, but is always white, rather than being the range of colours found in other Shorthorns. It has not undergone the specialisation seen in other Shorthorns (Beef Shorthorn and Dairy Shorthorn), and so it remains as a more traditional hardy and thrifty cattle type. This favours its use forconservation grazing of hill pastures
The Whitebred Shorthorn is a completely seperate breed from the Beef Shorthorn or Dairy Shorthorn.
W - Winter in or out
H - Hardy
I - Improve any crossbred dam
T - Temperament quiet
E - Ease of management
B - Bluegrey sire
R - Reliable milkers
E - Easy calving
D - Diverse habitats
S - Selected breeding
H - Health record good
O - Old breed new uses
R - Regular breeders
T - Tried and trusted
H - Hair medium and soft
O - Originally dual purpose
R - Rearing ability
N - Naturally reared
The Whitebred Shorthorn is a completely seperate breed from the Beef Shorthorn or Dairy Shorthorn.
W - Winter in or out
H - Hardy
I - Improve any crossbred dam
T - Temperament quiet
E - Ease of management
B - Bluegrey sire
R - Reliable milkers
E - Easy calving
D - Diverse habitats
S - Selected breeding
H - Health record good
O - Old breed new uses
R - Regular breeders
T - Tried and trusted
H - Hair medium and soft
O - Originally dual purpose
R - Rearing ability
N - Naturally reared
History
While the exact origin is unknown the breed came to be noticed in the late nineteenth century when it was known as the Cumberland White. At that time Mr David Hall of Larriston, Newcastleton, Roxburghshire, and Mr Andrew Park of Stelshaw, Bailey, Cumberland sold Blue-grey suckled calves at Newcastleton suckler sales. Numbers of Whitebred cattle, mainly bulls for cross breeding, increased after about 1900, until a separate day was needed at the Newcastleton auctions. The Whitebred Shorthorn Association was formed on 12 March 1962 by a meeting of almost 200 breeders. In the autumn of 1964 official breed society sales were held at Newcastleton and Bellingham and there was another successful Newcastleton sale in 1965. In that year the first sale of Whitebreds in Carlisle was held at Botchersgate Mart.
Characteristics
The typical animal should have a docile temperament and an outer coat of soft hair and a thick mossy undercoat. The head should be of a medium length with a good wide muzzle and bold bright eyes. The neck too, should be of medium length, blending in smoothly at the shoulders and the top, in line with the back. The ideal frame should have a good covering of firm flesh, should be wide at the pins, should have a straight top line and the body should be deep throughout with a good spring of rib. It is most important that legs and feet should be sound. The feet should be free from any tendency to turn upwards or inwards. The legs should be of nice flat bone and “set at the corners” to give a well balanced appearance.
Bulls
The bull should be of good conformation and have the ability to transmit conformation and growth potential to steer calves, which will thrive and grow to prime beef quickly and economically.
Cows
The cow should have good milking qualities, the udder should be compact with medium sized teats, well spaced and having the appearance of being able to produce ample milk and be a long weaning regular breeder.
Crossbreeding
The Whitebred Shorthorn bull is bred primarily as a crossing bull to mate with any breed of female, but principally with the Galloway to produce the noted Blue Grey, and the Highland producing a Cross Highlander, the progeny being well suited to the full range of British climatic conditions.