Kerry cattle

A Kerry cow and calf in Killarney National Park

Kerry cattle (Irish: Bó Chiarraí or Buinín) are a type of dairy cattle breed. They are native to Ireland. They are thought to be a very rare European breed. This breed is mainly used for dairy. The climate of southwestern Ireland was suitable for milk production all year, and the Celts also stored milk in the form of cheese and butter.[1]

Their coat is almost entirely black, with a little white on the udder. The horns are whitish with dark tips, but they usually have their horns removed. Cows weigh about 350 to 450 kg (770 to 990 lb) and produce 3,000 to 3,700 kg (6,600 to 8,200 lb) of milk per lactation. The milk can be well used for making cheese, butter and yoghurt.[2]

References

  1. "History of The Kerry Cow". Ireland's native dairy breeds. The Kerry Cattle Society. Retrieved 9 March 2020.
  2. "Kerry cow: About the breed". The Kerry Cattle Society. Retrieved 9 March 2020.