American Devon
In 1623, two heifers and a bull from north Devonshire, England, were received by a member of the Plymoth Colony. This was the beginning of the American Devon Cattle Breed. They were the first importation of cattle from Britain, although the Spanish had introduced cattle in the south. Their immediate value was as draft animals. Cattle from Devonshire had long been recognized in England for their speed, intelligence, strength, willingness to work, and ability to prosper on coarse forage, in a wide range of climates. In later years, other cattle were imported and contributed to the American Devon Cattle Breed, which developed as the ideal multipurpose breed. None could surpass it for draft work; the milk was good for cream and cheese making; and the carcass developed fine beef on poor forage.
