Red Polled Cow — iibso ama iibi

Breed history: The Red Poll cow is one of the oldest British breeds, originating in the United Kingdom in the 19th century through the crossing of local red cows with polled cattle. The breed was primarily developed for high-quality meat and milk, and it quickly gained popularity due to its versatile characteristics. The history of the Red Poll breed began in the early 19th century in the marshy and low-lying areas of Norfolk and Suffolk. These territories, located near the North Sea, had infertile soils, making agriculture challenging. In these regions, local farmers preferred cattle that combined good milk productivity with excellent meat. This was because farmers aimed for specialization not in purely meat or dairy breeds, but in dual-purpose ones. The ancestors of the Red Poll breed were two already extinct breeds: the Norfolk red-and-white horned breed, valued for its meat, and the Suffolk dairy breed. The Suffolk breed was characterized by its lack of horns and its varied coloration, including red, brown, and yellowish-cream shades. The final formation of the breed and its recognition occurred in 1846 when it was named "Norfolk and Suffolk Red Polled Cattle." In 1874, a herd book was established, and in 1883 the breed became known as "Red Polled," and then, in 1888, the name was changed to "Red Poll." At this time, the emphasis was placed on solidifying the bright red color and the absence of horns in the animals. By the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century, the Red Poll breed began to be actively exported to other countries, including the USA. The first import to America took place in 1873. The American Red Poll Association was founded even earlier than the English one—in 1883. In the USA, the breed became popular and soon spread to Canada. However, starting in the 1960s, with the spread of the Holstein breed, which dominated dairy farming, the selection of the Red Poll breed in America shifted towards improving meat qualities. Currently, the breed is at risk of extinction. Exterior: The Red Poll cow is characterized by medium size and a strong build. These cows have well-defined muscles but possess a fine bone structure. The coat is a rich red, preferably deep, but small white spots may occur. White markings are often found on the udders of cows and on the upper part of the scrotum of bulls.