The UK is lucky enough to have 34 native cattle breeds. Of these, 14 species are at risk meaning that nearly half of our native cow varieties are on the verge of becoming extinct.
Why do cattle become extinct?
In the past, cattle have become extinct by being over consumed by humans or by being absorbed into other breeds.
Saying this, however, many breeds of domestic cattle would become extinct now if we didn’t eat their meat and drink their milk. Humans have selective bred cattle to become vessels for us to harvest. For example, a dairy cow will generally produce more milk that her calf needs. This is not natural.
Vaynol Cattle
Our rarest breed of cattle are Vaynol. They originate from Wales and there are less than 150 breeding animals left. They are being closely monitored by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, who help to maintain their health and habitat. When there is such a small number of a species left, it is important to also prevent inbreeding as this can be catastrophic to a herd. There is one breed, however, that have survived inbreeding…
Chillingham Cattle
Another rare breed, and largely considered as one of the rarest animals on the planet, are the cattle that inhabit Chillingham Park. Surviving hundreds of years of inbreeding, these cattle are totally isolated from all other cattle and have remained untouched since the medieval times. Their behaviour gives us insight to how wild cattle would have lived hundreds of years ago; they are totally unique and a very important key to the past.
What can I do to help?
To help rare species, we must continue to preserve their habitat and work with charities like the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.
Although we are key to the survival of many breeds, we must continue to source ethical meat and milk to preserve the health and welfare of all species.
