The Vaynol cattle are a beautiful breed of cattle which originates from a herd in Scotland. Their history dates back over 100 years, beginning with a semi-wild herd.
The Vaynol cattle originally established in 1872 in Vaynol Park, North Wales. Today the breed is one of the United Kingdom’s rarest breeds of cattle.
There are less than 150 breeding animals registered in the United Kingdom. And they are now listed as “Critical” on the RBST list.
Currently there are 3 different herds of Vaynol cattle (officially registered) existing in the United Kingdom.
The breed is one of the two types of White Park Cattle, along with the Chillingham. Read more information about this cattle breed below.
Vaynol Cattle Characteristics
Vaynol cattle are small to medium in size and have similarities with the White Park cattle. They are primitive and angular in appearance.
Their colors vary, and can be completely black or white with black spots. The coloring of the spots is found on the ears, eyelids, nose, hooves, on the point of the horns. And the animals sometimes have black socks.
The Vaynol cattle have curved hocks and a sloping rump. The bulls have long horns, which are developed outside of the head. And their horns are flicked upwards. The cows do not have horns, they can have black teats on their udders.
The Vaynol bulls on average weight about 400-450 kg. And average body weight of the cows is about 300-350 kg. Photo and info from Wikipedia.
Uses
The Vaynol cattle are used for beef and leather production. They are also excellent for conservation grazing.
Special Notes
Vaynol cattle were previously considered as wild cattle breed. But they are now considered semi-feral, mainly due to it’s current endangered status and thus increasing contact with humans.
The animals are small in size, but they are pretty hardy and strong. They are excellent for conservation grazing. As they are small in size and thrifty in nature, so they can survive on poor grazing.
And their small size and pretty less weight than other cattle breeds makes them less likely to damage sensitive swards and soft soils.
These animals are slow to grow and take long time to mature. However, review full breed profile of this breed in the following table.
| Breed Name | Vaynol |
| Other Name | None |
| Breed Purpose | Meat, Leather |
| Special Notes | Active, Hardy, Excellent Forager, Slow to Grow |
| Breed Size | Small-Medium |
| Bulls | About 400-450 kg |
| Cows | About 300-350 kg |
| Climate Tolerance | All Climates |
| Coat Color | Can be completely black or white with black spots |
| Horned | Yes |
| Milk Yield | Poor |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Country/Place of Origin | Great Britain |
