The Vaynol cattle were established in Vaynol Park, North Wales. The Vaynol cattle were originally established in 1872 in Vaynol Park, North Wales. Today the breed is one of the United Kingdom’s rarest breeds of cattle. These cattle are the only British breed with horns, which are typically found on animals from South-East Asia or Africa.
The cows are relatively small and often have short coats. The cow reaches maturity after three years and has a lifespan of about 10 to 12 years. The cows weigh about 700 to 800 pounds and measure about 22 to 24 inches tall.
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How to identify Vaynol cattle?
The adult male Vaynol has a height of about 75 cm, is low in the withers, and is thick in the body. The udder is small and the teats are set well apart. The head is heavy and the neck is short. The hooves are solid and wide apart. The bull’s horns have a slight arch. The rump is broad and the hind legs short. The udder is small. The tail is short.
Vaynol cattle are gray with white spots on the body, face, and tail tip. White hairs may also be present around the nose and lower jaw. The ears are small with a dark line along the middle of their length and have long hair at their base (the same as kouprey).
Behavioral characteristics:
The Vaynol cows are calm, docile, and placid. Vaynol cow is not aggressive, but like most other breeds is protective of itself. They keep their distance from other cattle when outside, and prefer the company of their kind. The bulls may attack other bulls in the herd and fight over females.
They tend to be more aggressive than the females and can be fearless when confronted by predators such as wolves. The bulls are probably best with their kind. The Vaynol bulls have a wide space with good ventilation and limestone flooring. They need warm and dry weather, but they can withstand cold weather better than cows.
The bedding can be changed once every three weeks. Vaynol cattle are grazing animals and will eat anything in their environment including grass, hay, straw, wilted plants, dried fodder, and grains.
Special Considerations
- The Vaynol cattle need good grazing, heated, and dry environment.
- Vaynol cattle can be kept in herds and will do better with the company.
- They also need to have clean bedding.
- Vaynol cattle are exposed to several diseases and parasites.
- The species need to be vaccinated against Koplik’s spots and should be treated with the antibiotic oxytetracycline.
- Vaynol cattle are likely to suffer from chronic lung diseases and this may require treatment or regular medication.
- The Vaynol cattle are susceptible to respiratory diseases and in case of infection, it is advisable to seek medical attention.
However, review the full breed profile of the Vaynol cattle in the following table.
Best 10+ information
| Breed Name | Vaynol cattle |
| Breed Origin | Wales |
| Origin Type | Welsh Cattle, New Zealand cattle. |
| Average Milk Production | 6 to 8 kg/cow/day |
| Breed Purpose | Dairy, beef, and leather. |
| Adult Weight | 200-250 kg |
| Climate Tolerance | All Climates |
| Temperament | Sleazy, calm, friendly, and docile, but difficult to handle. |
| Color | gray with white spots |
| Rarity | Common |
| As Pets | Yes |
| Lifespan | 12 to 15 years |
In summary
The Vaynol cattle are a rare breed of cattle that originated in Wales. The Vaynol cattle are unique in the world. The Vaynol sheep and the Welsh Black cattle were probably the same breeds. Although they are rare, they are available to buy in North America and Europe. Vaynol cattle may be kept as pets or for farming, or used for their meat and leather production.
These cattle are not suited for farming but they can be used as decorative livestock. A medium-size beef with meat weighing up to 25 kg. The meat is well-marbled and has a fat covering, which makes it excellent for grilling. The cream color of the meat is especially attractive and the flavor resembles that of other Welsh cattle breeds such as Alynbeul Cow and Worcester Cattle.
