Randall Cattle
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Randall cattle are a rare breed of cattle that originated in Sunderland, Vermont.
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[edit] Origin
Randall cattle seem to be survivors of the indigenous landrace cattle of the area, found a single farm owned by Samuel J. Randall and later his son Everett Randall. The Randalls used their cows in their dairy operations, but they have retained the multi-purpose characteristics of the European breeds from which they were created. Blood typing by Dr. Phillip Sponenberg, Ph.D., D.V.M of the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine has failed to give any clear indication of their original breeds[1]. After the death of Everett Randall in 1985, the herd was dispersed to several farms in the Northeast, and the breed began to die out. In 1987 there were fewer than fifteen animals left in one herd, and a few others in two additional locations. The herd of fifteen was in imminent danger of being sent to slaughter when Cynthia Creech intervened, purchasing the herd and moving them to her farm in Tennessee. Since that time, following a breeding program designed by Dr. Sponenberg to maximise genetic diversity, the Randall breed has grown to include more than 200 breeding females and continues to increase.
[edit] Characteristics
Randall cattle are triple purpose animals, being used for milk, meat and draft power. They are hardy and intelligent, and thrive on forage-based management systems. Randalls seldom require birthing assistance. The breed is characterized by a striking colorsided lineback color pattern, with most animals black over white, but shades of gray, blue and red are seen, and occasionally the recessive red gene that is present in the animals is expressed. The horns a quite short and forward facing. They are variable in size, with females weighing between 700 and 1000 lb (300 to 450 kg), and bulls reaching up to 1800 lb (800 kg). Randalls also vary in their conformation, with distinct Channel Island-type individuals, as well as blockier body types more like a Beef Shorthorn. Some have meat well marbled with white fat while others have yellow Channel Island type fat[2].
[edit] Breed distribution
Most of the Randall cattle are found in the Eastern United States, with the largest concentration in the Northeast. The largest Randall herd, and the breed Registry, are located in South Kent, Connecticut.
