Only in recent years, British white cattle, descendants of Wild White Park cattle, have received attention thanks to which their commercial value has been demonstrating. There is also the belief that White Park cattle were brought to Britain. And that they were the Romans. They were used for the religious sacrifices and that when retiring the Romans they justify them in the Island returning like this to the wild state.
It is argued that the gained Celtic shorthorn was introduced from Europe in the Neolithic era and that they passed through the Bronze and Iron Age until the Roman era. The white color of the British White race is similar to that of the Swedish Mocho cattle and differs from that of the Shorthorn, for which it behaves as dominant. It has also been said that the progenitors of this race were euros similar to the animals of Eastern Europe, Turkey, and South-West Asia.
As you can see, there are many opinions about the origin of White Park cattle. But the evidence points in general to the theory that it was introduced into Britain by the Romans. You may also like to read Charolais Cattle.
Characteristics of White Park Cattle
White park cattle has a white coat with black ears, sometimes red, and a black muzzle. The horns have black pythons and the hooves are the same color. As for the shape of the horns, some animals resemble the Ayrshire and others the Longhorn or Hereford. The back is not as straightforward as in the improved breeds and the hindquarters are also more variable. The length of the legs varies appreciably, as does the thoracic depth.
The average weight of adult bulls is of the order of 600 kg and that of cows weighing 400 kg. The skin is thin and loose and the general appearance often depends on the degree of nutrition. Over the years, many of the original herds were becoming extinct and therefore they had to be saved through crosses with other similar breeds.
Today there is a great predilection for the absence of horns in this breed and only the registration of nachos in the genealogical book is admitted. The conditions found in the reserves or reserves are not necessarily the same as the forests in which these cattle lived in freedom. However, the herds seem to adapt perfectly to the environmental conditions. The climate varies according to the locality in which the parks in which these flocks are confining today are located.
The white park cattle offers an acceptable fecundity since from 36 months of age the cows give their first offspring. And they continue to do so at relatively short time intervals. It is common to find in cows of White Park cattle cows with 15 and 16 years of productive life, with twelve or more births. In the race, the lower precocity in its development in the first years of life is compensated with a very productive life.
Usage
The functional characteristics vary appreciably from one herd to another, but some possess a net milk potential. These improve types could perhaps be described as dual-fitness animals with average milk production of 3,200 kg of milk with 3.9 percent fat. Other herds that have not been domesticate lack dairy value and are of little merit as meat animals. Today, White Park cattle are promoted and selected as a breed of meat. You may also like to read Galloway Cattle.
Food
The animals are supported by natural vegetation but can be given hay in the winter. When they have been wanted for the first time complementary feed they have invariably rejected. But sometimes there are animals that try silage or concentrates, which encourages others to do the same. You may also like to read Limousin Cattle.
Special Feature
Calves are born with pink skin, but this becomes black due to the action of external stimuli, especially solar radiation. The pigmentation process is complete around 24 months. It is an animal of calm and docile temperament and its great strength and ability to walk on steep terrain. This breed is not mechanizing, it is also used as a load or draft animal. The fallen haunches and saddled backs are typical of mountain animals, characteristics that enable them to travel through rough terrain.
This breed can live in heights between 800 and 1,800 meters above sea level; and be exposed to temperatures between 18 and 24 ° C. One of the main conditions of the race is to be agile and light. So it can be produced acceptably in regions of broken topography invaded by adverse factors to survive and procreate. Resistance to climatic stress allows the consumption of coarse forage of poor quality at any time of day. Without affecting their respiratory rhythm conditions, herding habits and rumination. Nor are birth, mortality and other rates that are common in foreign races affect.
FAQ
Are White Park Cattle good for beef?
Yes, White Park Cattle are indeed great for beef. Historically, White Parks were known as the “Royal Dish” of Britain and have been prized by the British royalty since ancient times. As such, they are a very old breed with an impressive pedigree.
What is the difference between White Park and British White cattle?
White Park and British White cattle are two distinct cattle breeds that share a common name and have some physical similarities.
White Park cattle, also known as Welsh Blacks, originated in Britain during the Iron Age. They feature black coats with white muzzle, eyes, legs, and other facial markings that are noticeable from birth. These markings give them their appearance of being “white” which may be why they were given the name White Park despite actually being black. On average, cows stand at roughly 130 cm (50 inches) tall while bulls can reach 140 cm (55 inches). They tend to be relatively docile creatures who naturally form groups within herds with strong leader-follower dynamics.
What are White Park cattle good for?
White Park cattle are a distinctive breed of ancient British and Irish origin, dating back at least as far as the Bronze Age. Today, they are primarily used for conservation grazing and beef production.
Conclusion
The White Park is a rare breed of ancient horned cattle primarily residing in Great Britain. Two similar semi-feral populations, the Chillingham Wild Cattle in Northumbria and the Vaynol cattle from Gwynedd in North Wales, have a separate breed status. There are also two subspecies – one on Skye to be found at Torrin Farm near Portree and Arisaig herd on the west coast of Scotland which grazes wherever it can find pasture land. This guide has hopefully helped you learn more about this special animal that deserves more attention than it gets today! Good luck finding your own White Park!
As a reference: Wikipedia
