History
Randall cattle are a rare breed of purebred cattle developed in Sunderland, Vermont, USA, on the farm of cattle breeder Everett Randall. He produced a closed herd for over 80 years, they are considered to be a landrace breed, descended from the indigenous cattle common in New England in the nineteenth Century.
In 1985 the Randall cattle were rescued from the Randall farm as Mr E. Randall had passed away and his wife was unable to keep them, Cynthia Creech took on the breed to preserve the genetics from extinction. During the following years the breed had been called various names but in the 1990’s it was decided that they would be called Randall cattle and the Registry was set up in 2001.
Randalls have historically been used as a dairy breed, although they also possess meat
and draft qualities. From a small number of remaining animals this breeds population has increased to approximately 200 breeders which are being produced on small subsistence farms.
Characteristics
Randall cattle are variable in size and conformation and have a constitution that Randall cattle have black markings on a white base, other colours such as blue, mahogany, red and grey have been observed. This breed are similar in pattern to the Lineback but are not related. Their size and conformation is variable but they are usually of a medium size with the cows weighing about 600-1100 lbs. Bulls may weigh from 1000 to 1800 lbs. or more.
Randall meat characteristics can vary down diferent family lines, for example some produce a lovely lean carcase with yellow fat and another produces a beefy well marbled carcase. Preliminary tests on their milk show an average of 3.7% Butter fat and 3.2% protein.
Calving difficulties are rare, and metabolic disorders have not been seen. They have strong maternal and survival instincts, high intelligence, and are very docile when handled regularly.
This breed is uniquely adapted to extensive or low input farming systems. Historically,
the most suitable and natural environment for these cattle has been on small scale forage-based farms, subsistence farms, and homesteads. It is on such farms and homesteads that the unique genetic attributes of the Randalls can be fully expressed.
Statistics
High functionality, modern triple purpose breed
Self reliance
Draft power, willingness to work
Quick to train
Hybrid vigour
Easy calving
Strong maternal instincts
Very docile
Distribution
The Randall is being produced in the USA and Canada.
References (the above information was cited from the following sites)
www.randallcattleregistry.org
www.cynthiasrandallcattle.com
