The American Milking Devon cattle are mainly a dairy cattle breed which are raised primarily for milk production and also for meat. It is actually from United States and originally derived from British North Devon cattle brought to the North America in the 17th century, the two strains have since diverged significantly.
The American Milking Devon cattle are a multi-purpose breed which are raised for milk and meat production and also for draught purposes.
On the other hand the modern North Devons are kept to be used almost exclusively for meat production.
Despite the name of the American Milking Devons, these animals are also very good for meat production and also good for using as a draught animal.
The breed is currently exceedingly rare and considered to be one of the oldest and purest cattle breeds of American animals in existence.
It is one of the most endangered breeds of cattle in the world. But with the aid of organizations such as the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy and Slow Food USA’s Ark of Taste, numbers have begun to rebound slightly.
At any given time, 600 living animals are registered as purebred with the breed society. However, read some more information about the breed below.
American Milking Devon Cattle Characteristics
American Milking Devon cattle are medium sized animals. Their coat is dark, glossy red in color. Both bulls and cows usually have horns. And their horns are usually white in color ideally with black tips.
Average body weight of the mature American Milking Devon cows is around 500 kg. And average live body weight of the mature bulls is around 725 kg. Photo and info from Wikipedia.
Uses
This breed is one of the only a few truly triple purpose cattle breeds left in the West. They are good for both milk and meat production, and also good for using as a draught animal.
Special Notes
American Milking Devon cattle are strong and very active animals. They are very intelligent animals and comparatively strong compared to their body size which make them excellent for using as oxen.
Although like some of the most active draft breeds, they are not well-suited to beginning drovers. They are excellent foragers and are also able to survive well on forage.
However, review full breed profile of this cattle breed in the following chart.
| Breed Name | American Milking Devon | |
| Other Name | None | |
| Breed Purpose | Milk, meat and draught | |
| Special Notes | Well adapted to native climates, good for meat production, very hardy, strong, good for milk, good for draught purpose | |
| Breed Size | Medium | |
| Bulls | Around 500 kg | |
| Cows | Around 725 kg | |
| Climate Tolerance | Native climates | |
| Coat Color | Dark, glossy red | |
| Horned | Yes | |
| Milk Yield | Good | |
| Rarity | Rare | |
| Country/Place of Origin | United States |
