British White Cow

The British White is a breed of medium-sized cattle, with cows typically weighing between 550 and 700 kg, and bulls weighing in at 900 to 1100 kg. They have a predominantly white coat, complemented by black (or red) points on their muzzle, ears, feet, and teats.

Known for their docile nature, the British White breed is polled, meaning they naturally lack horns, making them easy to handle and manage.

Cows of this breed have long lifespans and exhibit high fertility, continuing to produce calves well into their teenage years. They are adept at withstanding winter conditions, making them suitable for out-wintering in various environments. The breed is also known for easy calving, displaying good maternal instincts, and giving birth to robust calves.

History of the British White

Legend has it that the breed has ties to Whalley Abbey in Lancashire. During the 17th century, the Assheton family, who acquired the Abbey following the dissolution of the monasteries, possessed polled white cattle.

Through marriage and subsequent breeding, these cattle gradually spread from the Whalley Abbey region to East Anglia, which became the primary center for the breed from the late 1700s until the 1960s. While there are still significant herds in East Anglia, the British White breed has now expanded across the entire country and is growing in popularity.