Kerry Cattle
The kerry is a dairy breed descended from cattle that the ancient Celts kept. This type of cow has been in Ireland for at least 4,000 years.
Kerries are hardy and thrifty, producing plenty of milk even when kept on sparse grazing. The average weight is 350 - 450kg and a cow can yield
3500kg of milk per lactation at 4% butterfat. Being fairly small and light means more can be kept per acre as they don't poach the ground as
much as some other breeds. Being a manageable size makes them an ideal smallholder's cow. They are easy to handle, will double suckle or cross
out to a beef bull, and many are hand milked.
Kerries are typically dairy in type, with curved horns. They are black, but may have a little white on the udder.
Leeds City Council has a small herd of 10. They are long lived and will calve well into their teens. Our oldest cow was Suilven Cerydwen, born
1986 and died 2004 aged 18. She produced 13 calves throughout her life.
www.kerrycattle.com
Back to livestock list
On to next animal
