Devon Cattle:

Society records of Devon Cattle go back to 1851 when Lt Col John Tanner Davy of Rose Ash, near South Molton published the very first Davy’s Devon Herd Book. A learned man and enthusiastic supporter of agriculture of the day, Tanner Davy, assisted by his wife Charlotte, devoted hours to research into blood lines, connecting them with others and collating the information obtained to produce the first volume. Information was obtained from breeders and 132 bulls and 483 females were included. 36 Breeders subscribed to the publication from across the country. Today’s membership numbers in excess of 330. In 1884 the Devon Cattle Breeders Society was founded and since that time have produced the Davy Herd Book on an annual basis. The Davy family were known to have kept Devons as far back as the 1730’s but what of their earlier origins? A number of historians have carried out extensive research into the possibilities. Small bone structure, shape and fineness of the head seem to point to the Longifrons.

The familiar upward turn of the horn is thought to be a trait of the Urus. In reality it was probably a combination of these. Over the years the animals would have undergone endless changes before becoming the breed we recognise today. Similarities in colour, shape and size suggest a possible connection with the Red Lincoln, Sussex and Saler. The French are known to have used Devons, in the early nineteenth century along with other British breeds, to make improvements to the Saler.

Similarities have been drawn between the red European breeds and the African breeds. Certainly the Devons have an amazing tolerance to heat and are equally at home in Brazil or at what is considered to be their home in the wilds of Exmoor.

Where ever they originated today’s Devons with their gentle natures, warm rich colour, exceptional mothering qualities, ability to graze the most spartan pasture, and not least the delicious meat produced at the end of the day, to name but a few of their many qualities, are what the farmers of the 21st Century are looking for, and the Devon Cattle Breeders are experiencing a welcome increase in popularity. Farming in Britain is leaning more and more to stewardship of the land and the Devon is ideally suited to this purpose. Low maintenance, easy handling and the ability to fatten almost wholly on grass give them a distinct advantage over the larger breeds. Their quiet browsing natures cause less damage to the land and their suitability to the organic system is a real advantage.

Breed Traits:

For more information on Red Ruby Devon Cattle you can contact the Red Ruby Devon Cattle Society as below: