South Devon Cattle in Canada

History

South Devon cattle have British origins, from the county of Devon, which is in the Southwest of England. South Devons have been a distinct breed since the 16th century and are now recognized in more than eighteen countries. They are not related to the Devon (North Devon) cattle which also are from England. The breed is exceptionally adaptable to varying climate conditions that differ greatly from the hills of Devon, England. Wherever the South Devon have been introduced they have been well accepted and exhibit strong performance for production and profitability. There are South Devon Cattle in the hot arid areas of South Africa; the high, cold mountainous regions of New Zealand; and the panpas of Argentina.

South Devon cattle are the largest of the British breeds with mature cows weighing between 1400 and 1600 pounds, while bulls average in excess of 2200 pounds. The average birth weight on calves is between 80 to 100 pounds and the average weaning weights are between 600 and 800 pounds.

It is believed South Devon cattle were imported to Canada in 1969 and 1970 although no Association was formed then. Following imports from England in 1974, the present Canadian South Devon Association was formed in 1975 for the purpose of development, registration and promotion of South Devon cattle. Currently, the Association has members from across the country.

Merits of Cross-Breeding

South Devons cross well with several other breeds. With their rapid growth rate, beef qualities, mothering ability and milk production, they are an excellent animal to cross-breed. The F1 female crosses make top rate mother cows and so, will improve one's herd. These crosses will add milk, length, size, improved carcass grade and rapid liveweight gains to most commercial cow herds.

Disposition

South Devon cattle are exceptionally docile. Nicknamed the "Gentle Giants", both cows and bulls handle easily under pasture and range conditions. Gentle disposition is an important economic trait because it makes management easier and improves rate and efficiency of gain.

Maternal Traits

South Devons possess the fertility and milking ability that have earned them a reputation as the "maternal beef breed". The average South Devon cow has the highest milk solids of any beef breed and an average butterfat content of 4.2%. At birth South Devon calves are less coarse in their structure and are narrower in the shoulders than many other breeds. Plus, the South Devon cow has a large pelvic area. These traits tend to minimize calving problems. These cows will consistently produce calves over a long life span, often extending upwards of fifteen years. The breeds outstanding maternal characteristics lead to early recycling and conception after calving.

Carcass Traits

South Devon steers have been proven by feedlot owners to finish faster. The average South Devon steer finishes out at 12 - 14 months of age, with an average weight of 1,150 to 1,250 pounds, and a 62% to 65% hanging carcass. South Devon puts in the grade and takes off the fat.

Feed Efficiency

South Devon bulls on test in Alberta and Saskatchewan, had an average daily gain of 3.63 pounds and converted at 7.03 pounds of feed per pound of gain, placing 2 out of 18 breeds, the winners converting 7 pounds. South Devon bulls possess modern beef qualities of length of muscle, frame and conformation. In the 1999 Steer-A-Year feed trial run by Olds College, South Devon steers finished first in profitability ($60.25/hd) out of the twelve breeds represented and had the lowest total cost/lb of gain ($0.47/lb). They placed second for ADG at 3.21 lbs/day. They were in the top four for feed efficiency at 8.44 lbs of feed was required for a pound of gain.