Young Bulls at Oak House Farm

Posted on 15th April 2007 by Oak House Farm

These young bulls are mostly of a breed known as Red Poll, which is a traditional breed of Norfolk and Suffolk.

The breed originated when a Norfolk Red beef type cow (which fattened easily), was crossed with the Suffolk Dun coloured polled bull, from an excellent dairy breed. Polled bulls do not have horns. The polled gene in the Suffolk bull suppressed the Norfolk horn gene, so these bulls do not have horns.

In 1873 the name Norfolk and Suffolk Red Polled cattle was adopted. The Red Poll Cattle Society was formed in 1888. The colour of the breed was by then established as red, preferably deep red, with white touches only on the tail switch. With its long traditions of both dairy and beef qualities the Red Poll is therefore one of the original native dual purpose breeds.

The breed is calm and easy to handle and provides an excellent quality meat in both taste and texture. The animals are usually ready for slaughter at around 22-24 months. At this farm the young bulls are kept together, which is unusual, but it works well and they show no aggression to each other.

You will also see some black bulls amongst the cattle. These are Aberdeen Angus and kept to strengthen the herd in case of disease.

Pictures and information

  Young Red Poll Bulls
  Young Red Poll Bull
  Young Red Poll Bulls
  Young Red Poll and Aberdeen Angus Bulls
  Young Red Poll and Aberdeen Angus Bulls
  Young Red Poll and Aberdeen Angus Bulls
  Young Red Poll Bulls
  Young Red Poll and Aberdeen Angus Bulls
  Young Red Poll Bulls