One of the
breeds of
cattle which is capable of producing both
milk and
beef in respectable quantities, the South Devon originated in
Devonshire,
England, although (
oddly) they are not
genetically related to
Devon cattle. They can be identified as a distinct
breed as far back as the
1500's.
The South Devon is also known for its strong maternal traits: easy calving, low infant mortality rates, and rapid calf growth, due in large measure to the amount of milk the South Devon can produce.
Reddish in color, and generally docile, the South Devon are now used for beef and milk all over the world.
This node is part of Tem42's list of cattle breeds, entitled, simply, cattle.