Although numbers once declined considerably, Irish black cattle are now a much more familiar site, especially in the south west of Ireland. An ancient breed, which may have been brought to Ireland as early as 4000 years ago, their numbers have risen in recent years after a decline. Small numbers of this type of cow can be found in Canada and the United States, as well as Ireland.
The Celtic Shorthorn is, in all probability, from where the modern day breed of black cattle derives. Known as Bo Chiarrai, or sometimes Buinin, in Irish, their name is clearly an overt reference to their black coats. There is usually only a little white on the hide, usually by the udders.
The breed is believed to have been developed to suit the specific environmental conditions found on small farms in the southern and western parts of Ireland. Rainfall tends to be very high in this part of the country, and there are plenty of upland areas. Cows of this type do much less damage than larger breeds to the soil in areas with this type of high rainfall.
The numbers in existence of this breed have undergone a massive rejuvenation in recent years, after a decline during the 20th century. An estimated 200 animals were left in existence by 1983, and the Irish government played a full part in ensuring the breed's continued survival. The government of the Republic of Ireland now keep a herd at the government farm estate of Farmleigh.
The breed is particularly well-known for the quality of milk that it produces. The typical weight of a cow of this breed is between 350 and 400 kilogrammes, and a typical animal will produce approximately 3700 grammes of milk per lactation. This kind of return has seen some major Irish ice cream manufacturers opt to use milk from this breed.
Any farmers in search of potent sire stock would be well advised to consider using an Kerry bull. Bulls of this breed are able to transmit a genetic domination of their offspring's characteristics, irrespective of the type of female with which they are mated. This leads to consistent quality of meat and other products.
Cattle of this type first arrived in the United States of America in 1818, and the breed remained popular throughout the 1800s. By the time the 1930s rolled around, however, there had been a serious reduction in the numbers of cows of this type in North America. Herds have grown recently, though, helped in the USA by imports from Canadian herds.
Irish black cattle have a very old genetic lineage, which is related to the Heren cattle, who live in the Alpine mountains of central Europe, as well as the famous bulls of the Camargue. Skull structure indicates that they might also be related to the wild aurochs of ancient times, though they are much smaller. They truly represent an agricultural link to a bygone age, and were the first cows to be bred specifically for their milk.
The Celtic Shorthorn is, in all probability, from where the modern day breed of black cattle derives. Known as Bo Chiarrai, or sometimes Buinin, in Irish, their name is clearly an overt reference to their black coats. There is usually only a little white on the hide, usually by the udders.
The breed is believed to have been developed to suit the specific environmental conditions found on small farms in the southern and western parts of Ireland. Rainfall tends to be very high in this part of the country, and there are plenty of upland areas. Cows of this type do much less damage than larger breeds to the soil in areas with this type of high rainfall.
The numbers in existence of this breed have undergone a massive rejuvenation in recent years, after a decline during the 20th century. An estimated 200 animals were left in existence by 1983, and the Irish government played a full part in ensuring the breed's continued survival. The government of the Republic of Ireland now keep a herd at the government farm estate of Farmleigh.
The breed is particularly well-known for the quality of milk that it produces. The typical weight of a cow of this breed is between 350 and 400 kilogrammes, and a typical animal will produce approximately 3700 grammes of milk per lactation. This kind of return has seen some major Irish ice cream manufacturers opt to use milk from this breed.
Any farmers in search of potent sire stock would be well advised to consider using an Kerry bull. Bulls of this breed are able to transmit a genetic domination of their offspring's characteristics, irrespective of the type of female with which they are mated. This leads to consistent quality of meat and other products.
Cattle of this type first arrived in the United States of America in 1818, and the breed remained popular throughout the 1800s. By the time the 1930s rolled around, however, there had been a serious reduction in the numbers of cows of this type in North America. Herds have grown recently, though, helped in the USA by imports from Canadian herds.
Irish black cattle have a very old genetic lineage, which is related to the Heren cattle, who live in the Alpine mountains of central Europe, as well as the famous bulls of the Camargue. Skull structure indicates that they might also be related to the wild aurochs of ancient times, though they are much smaller. They truly represent an agricultural link to a bygone age, and were the first cows to be bred specifically for their milk.
About the Author:
Read more about Irish Black Cattle Are One Of Europe's Oldest Breeds visiting our website.
