Devon cattle first reached what is now the United States in
1623. The ship Charity brought a consignment of red cattle (one bull and three
heifers) from Devonshire, England to Edward Winslow, the agent for Plymouth
Colony.
These red cattle of Devonshire, brought in by the Pilgrims,
were probably the first purebred cattle to reach North America.
Devon cattle are red in color, varying in shade from a rich
deep red to a light red or chestnut color. A bright ruby red color is preferred
and accounts for their nickname, the "Red Rubies." The hair is thick
and is often long and curly during the winter; however, coats are short and
sleek in summer. They are nicely muscled, fine boned and stocky. Mature bulls
in good working condition weigh from 1700 to about 2200 pounds. Mature cows
range in weight from about 950 to about 1300 pounds.
About Devon Cattle
