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Breed Information |
American British White Park History American British White Park cattle were introduced to Great Britain by the Romans in 55 B.C. and ran wild until the 1700's, when they were domesticated. The name "White Park" comes form large, game preserve like enclosures in which these cattle were kept. During World War II, Churchill issued an order to burn and slaughter all crops and cattle if the Germans invaded England. Five cows and one bull were shipped by British White Park breeders to the United States as a safety precaution. Following the war, these cattle were not returned to England, and most ended up in Illinois. The breed possesses black ears, nose, eyes, and legs which tends to dominate over other color patterns when crossbred. The breed running wild for nearly two mellenia has self-eliminated hard calvers, poor mothers, and lack of hardiness. Birth weights are low, yet growth rates and mature sizes are comparable to Hereford, Angus, and Shorthorn cattle. Pigmentation around the eyes virtually eliminates pinkeye problems. American British White Park (ABWP) Traits: Healthy, Hardy, And Long Lived All factors which reduce the overall cost of ownership and improve the bottom line. Lean And Fast Growing ABWP cattle can satisfy the consumer's demand for lean beef and satisfy the producer's demand for fast growing livestock. Natural Foragers ABWP cattle grow well on almost any forage. Temperament ABWP cattle are extremely docile. They are easy to work and can be moved simply by leading them with a feed bucket. Udder Soundness ABWP cattle have small uniform udders. New calves have no problems grasping and nursing due to oversized udders. Udders dark in pigment prevents sunburn and various problems common to other breeds. ABWP's produce nutritionally rich milk getting new calves off to the best start. Calving Ease Records of birth kept by existing ABWP breeders prove that in general losses are very small when compared to to other popular breeds. ABWP calves birth sizes range from 74 lbs to 80 lbs with 76 being about average. Pink Eye And Heat Resistance Black to dark pigmentation helps keep pink eye and eye problems due to sun at bay. Yet white hair coloration helps to reflect heat, thus aiding in their natural heat resistance. Naturally Polled ABWP cattle are naturally polled so injuries and losses due to dehorning are eliminated. ABWP cattle should not be confused with the horned Ancient White Park cattle. Fertility ABWP conception rates are high and first calf heifers conceive easily. Cows often remain in herds until they are fifteen or sixteen years old. This is an economic factor that cannot be overlooked by the commercial cowman. High percentage calf crops start with conception and ABWP cows excel in conception rates. Maternal Instinct ABWP cows have maternal instincts far superior to the average cow. Cows that don't claim their calves are an unknown problem in this breed. First calf heifers claim their calves and get them started faster than any other breed of cattle. |
American British White Park Cattle |