About the Breed
HISTORY
The South Devon breed of cattle originated in the 16th century, from the Devon coastal area, lying south of the range of Dartmoor, down to the English channel, known as the "South Hams".
The breed took this name until a society was formed in 1891, when the name was changed to South Devon.
Contrary to many beliefs, the first South Devons were actually imported into Victoria, Australia, in 1908, by A.S. Chirnside, and again in 1921.They were shown many times during this period, at the Royal Melbourne Show.
No more importations occurred until the late 1970's, when pedigree South Devons were sourced from New Zealand. These and semen from the U.K., were to re establish the breed, which had disappeared over the previous fifty years. Further live importations, frozen embryos and semen, boosted the breeds genetics substantially through the early 1980's.
ADAPTABILITY
South Devons prosper on five continents. They are proven performers in extreme climates, from - 30 degrees C in Alberta, Canada, to+30 /40 degrees C in Africa and Australia.
GROWTH
South Devons have one of the fastest growth rates of all breeds of cattle. Size has moderated a little in Australia, to suit conditions. Cows mature at frame score 6 to 7 ,averaging 650 to 850 kgs. Bulls frame score 6 to 7 averaging , 1000 to 1250 kgs.
LONGEVITY
Many have a productive life into their mid teens, with females occasionally breeding longer. At the conclusion of such good service females often return $1000 and bulls up to $ 2000.
DOCILITY
Known for generations as "The Gentle Giants", The South Devons temperament is unsurpassed in the cattle industry. This is a trait much sought after by many other breeds, seeking easier and safer stock management, ensuring less stress before slaughter and a higher quality carcase. Certainly no need to run this breed of cattle through a crush to assess its docility.
MATERNAL
A dual purpose breed in the U.K. until the mid 1970's, when a decision was made that the breed should concentrate on promoting its beef qualities. Renowned for the high butterfat content of its milk, allied to its docility makes it the perfect bovine mother.
POLLING
Although initially known as a horned breed, the poll gene has been evident for over fifty years. More recently breeders have been pursuing this trait for ease of transportation and yarding, resulting in less damage to hides and bruising to carcases
MARBLING
The ability to marble at maturity has been known from the time the breed was established. It is equal to any other British breed and superior to European breeds of cattle.
MUSCLING
Normally grading as muscle score C or B, resulting in an excellent eye muscle area [E.M.A.] often 100 to 140 sq cms.
MEAT
Due to their later maturity, pure bred South Devon carcasses will lay down less fat than other British breeds, contributing to healthy eating. Carcasses dress out at around 60% of live weight.
With saleable meat yields of 70% and over.
South Devon's won the supreme award in 1999, at the first Australian "National Paddock to Palate" beef tasting competition, against all breeds.
PERFORMANCE / PROFIT
South Devons have performed well at Royal and country shows against all breeds, as well as at carcass competitions and feed trials. In a 1994 government sponsored feed trial, steers involving seven breeds of bulls, mated to four hundred Hereford cows, were slaughtered at an average age of twenty three months. A specified price grid system gave the following returns :-
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South Devon x Hereford $71.74 more than the pure Hereford.
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S.D. x Hereford $46.09 more than the Limousin X Hereford.
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S.D. x Hereford $ 41.39 more than the Angus x Hereford.
The steers were in the feedlot for two hundred days, with the S.D. x Hereford having the highest gain per day, of 1.2kgs.
They have excelled in feed conversion efficiency tests, where the top performing bull in one test gained 2.2kgs per day, yet had a cost saving for feed over 120 days of $ 29.25, compared to the average, based on feed costs of $250 /tonne.
South Devon Cross Hereford Steer
Age 10 Months
Live weight 400 Kgs
Carcass weight 240 Kgs
Dressed 60%
OUTLOOK
With recent trends towards three way crosses [composite] breeding, particularly involving red breeds, the South Devon genetics provide a very attractive component. With its versatility, docility, mothering ability, feed efficiency and the palatability of the end product . WHAT MORE COULD YOU WANT?