Shetland cattle
Shetland cattle in a pasture
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| Country of origin | Scotland |
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| Distribution | Scotland |
| Use | Beef, dairy and draft |
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| Coat | White spots upon black |
| Horn status | Horned |
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Shetland cattle are a small, hardy cattle breed from the Shetland Isles of Scotland. They are noted for their use in crofting in Shetland, where they provided use for meat, milk and draft work (pulling ploughs). Despite the rapid decline in crofting for a living, efforts to conserve this breed in the United Kingdom are mainly done by the Shetland Cattle Breeder's Association.
Like most breeds originating from Shetland, the cattle are smaller than most. This characteristic is attributed to the hard climate of their native environment. They are normally black and white in colour but there are smaller numbers in grey, red and dun.
Shetland cattle are usually black and white, similar in colour to the Holstein Friesian breed. However, an estimated 10 percent are red and white, while a small but growing percentage are dun and grey. The cows are typically smaller than most, ranging from 350 kg (770 lb)—450 kg (990 lb), while the bulls range from 550 kg (1,210 lb)—600 kg (1,300 lb). They are regarded as small in size by most breeders and organizations. Their horns curve upwards, but these are trimmed during commercial production.
A long hairy coat protects the cattle during the winter, but this recedes during the summer months. Many breeders see many desirable traits in Shetland cattle, such as easy calving and fast growing to adult size.
The Shetland Cattle are considered an ancient breed by most organisations because they date back to the Viking Era. It is believed that they first arrived between 700 and 1100 AD and have since experienced many other influences, such as cross breeding.
They were once an important species in Scotland for their hardiness, Shetland cattle experienced a sharp population decline through the 19th century, with an estimated population of 15,000 cattle nearing extinction by the middle of the 20th the importing of larger breed bulls proved more popular with local crofters.
In 1834, the cattle were described by author William Youatt in his book, Cattle: Their Breeds, Management, and Diseases. They were described as 'living on their native moors' and being 'housed every night'. He also records the population in the 1800s. The book reads 'forty years ago [c. 1800] 3000 cows, 1000 oxen and 10,000 young cows inhabit.' However, now 'more than 44,000 inhabit these islands'. It is unknown what proportion of these cattle were cows, oxen or calves.
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Wikipedia