Beef Cattle breed profile

Red Devon

Also known as: North Devon

  • Heritage British beef breed
  • England
  • medium
  • Temperament: docile
  • Heritage
  • Conservancy: Recovering

Red Devon is one of the premier grass-finishing breeds in the U.S. — heritage genetics that excel on forage with no grain finishing. Strong fit for direct-marketed grass-fed beef programs.

Production & size

Mature size and output.

Female weight

1000–1250 lbs

Male weight

1600–2100 lbs

Daily gain

2 lbs/day

Reproductive traits

Gestation

283 days

Seasonality

year round

Maternal

excellent

Health & climate

Parasite resistance

good

Heat tolerance

good

Cold hardiness

good

Humidity tolerance

good

Common health concerns

  • Slower growth than continental breeds limits commercial market fit
  • Limited seedstock availability in some regions

Management requirements

Experience

beginner friendly

Housing

minimal

Fencing

standard

Feed system

pasture, hay

Market access

Commercial market

fair

Direct-market appeal

excellent

Premium potential

Yes

One of the strongest pure grass-finishing breeds — direct-marketed Red Devon beef commands premium pricing in farm-to-table channels.

Red Devon USA

Sources

Data quality: extension verified