History of Devons
Devon cattle are one of the oldest beef breeds in existence today. The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy reports that Pilgrims shipped one bull and three heifers to New England in the 1600s. It wasn’t until 1855 that Devon cattle became a registered breed in the United States. Today, Devon cattle are still considered to be one of the best breeds in America that produces some of the best beef you can get.
Superior Quality
At Ozark Red Devons, we take great pride in raising superior Devon cattle. Thanks to their prized genetics, Devon cattle are the perfect breed to raise or cross-breed. One of their best qualities is their high fertility rate, making them a very efficient breed. Some of their other qualities include:
- Short Calving Period
- Milking Ability
- Mothering Ability
- Weight Gain and Maturity
- Adaptability
- Longevity
- Temperament
Superior Performance
Devons are known for their early maturity. They are a well-muscled breed with one of the thickest hides in the world. This makes them highly resistant to external parasites. They are good “walkers” and excellent foragers, performing very well on grass-only systems and grain fed systems.
Superior Beef
Because Devons perform well with a grass-fed diet, they produce high-quality beef, referred to as “white tablecloth” quality. Devon beef is more flavorful compared to other breeds thanks to the balance of fat and meat. Devons have intra-muscular fat in the meat, producing a wonderful marbled beef. Plus, when fed a grass-fed diet, Devon beef is healthier, and tastes better, compared to other breeds.
Several studies have proven that grass-fed beef has superior nutritional advantages over corn-fed beef. This includes higher levels of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and cancer-fighting antioxidants. Plus, compared to grain-fed beef and commercial chicken, grass-fed beef has one of the lowest amounts of fat per 3-ounce serving.
Grass-fed Strip Steak(Raw) |
Grain-fed Steak(Raw) |
2.3grams of fat |
8.2grams of fat |
Dark Meat Chicken(Raw) |
Chicken Breast(Raw) |
3.14grams of fat |
3.03grams of fat |
Source: USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference
The Look of Devon
Devon cattle are often called Red Rubies due to their rich red color. Their color varies from a rich deep red to a light red or chestnut color. Their hair is a medium thickness. It’s short in the summer, but long and curly in the winter. Mature cows range in weight from about 950 lbs to 1,300 lbs.