Cows are one of the most common and important livestock animals in the world. They provide us with meat, milk, leather, and many other products. But did you know that some cows are much bigger than others?
Top 10 Biggest Cows in the World
In this article, we will explore the top 10 biggest cows in the world, based on their weight and height. We will also learn some interesting facts about these giant breeds and their origins.
1. Chianina
The Chianina is the largest cattle breed in the world. It originated in Tuscany, Italy, and it can reach a height of 2 m and a weight of more than 1,700 kg. Chianina cows are both the tallest and heaviest cows in the world, as well as one of the oldest cattle breeds. The breed is mainly used for beef production, but in the past it was also popular as draught cattle. Chianina cows can easily adapt to warmer climates, having a tough skin that is also resistant to parasites.
2. South Devon
Also known as “The Gentle Giant”, South Devon cows originated in the United Kingdom, being the largest native cattle breed from Great Britain. They can achieve a weight of 1,600 kg on average, although the largest recorded South Devon cow had 2,000 kg. Bulls from this breed can be used for work up to the age of 12. South Devon is known as a breed for both meat and milk. High milk production and the developed maternal instinct ensure a high percentage of survival of youth. The cows are able to reproduce for 15 years. With such longevity, few heifers are needed to upgrade the herd, many of which are available for sale as breeding animals or superior quality beef carcasses.
3. Maine-Anjou
Just like the name suggests, this French cow breed originated in the Anjou region. It can reach a weight of approximately 1,400 kg and it’s raised both for milk and beef production. The breed is famous for the fact that it can easily build muscle and also for easy fattening. Originally, French farmers used Maine-Anjou cows if they had small land patches, because they could gain a nice income from the cows, as they would fatten up so easy. Especially the bulls can be quite temperamental, but the cows have a great maternal instinct and because of the high quality milk they provide, the calves are always thoroughly nourished.
4. Glan Cattle
The Glan Cattle is a German breed that originated in the Rhineland-Palatinate region. It is one of the oldest cattle breeds in Germany and was once widespread throughout Europe. The Glan Cattle can weigh up to 1,300 kg and has a distinctive red coat with white markings on the head, belly, legs, and tail. The breed is mainly used for beef production, but also for milk and draught purposes. The Glan Cattle is known for its hardiness, longevity, and fertility.
5. German Angus
The German Angus is a crossbreed between Aberdeen Angus and various German cattle breeds, such as Gelbvieh, Fleckvieh, or Simmental. It was developed in Germany in the 1950s to improve the meat quality and performance of local cattle. The German Angus can weigh up to 1,200 kg and has a black or red coat with no horns. The breed is popular for its high feed efficiency, marbled meat, and easy calving.
6. Montbeliarde
The Montbeliarde is a French breed that originated in the Franche-Comte region. It is a descendant of the Swiss Simmental and was first recognized as a separate breed in 1889. The Montbeliarde can weigh up to 1,100 kg and has a red and white coat with a distinctive white head. The breed is mainly used for dairy production, but also for beef and draught purposes. The Montbeliarde is known for its high milk yield, protein content, and cheese-making ability.
7. Parthenais
The Parthenais is another French breed that originated in the Deux-Sevres department. It is one of the oldest cattle breeds in France and was once used for triple purposes: milk, meat, and draught. The Parthenais can weigh up to 1,100 kg and has a golden-red coat with black markings on the eyes, muzzle, ears, legs, and tail. The breed is mainly used for beef production nowadays, especially for its lean and tender meat.
8. Limousin
The Limousin is a French breed that originated in the Limousin region. It is one of the most popular beef breeds in the world and has been exported to over 70 countries. The Limousin can weigh up to 1,100 kg and has a light wheat to dark golden-red coat. The breed is mainly used for beef production, but also for crossbreeding with other breeds. The Limousin is known for its high muscle-to-bone ratio, low fat content, and easy calving.
9. Bazadaise
The Bazadaise is a French breed that originated in the Gironde department. It is a rare and ancient breed that was once used for religious ceremonies and festivals. The Bazadaise can weigh up to 1,000 kg and has a grey coat with darker shades on the head, neck, shoulders, and legs. The breed is mainly used for beef production, but also for draught purposes. The Bazadaise is known for its docile temperament, hardiness, and marbled meat.
10. Charolais
The Charolais is a French breed that originated in the Charolais region. It is one of the most widely distributed beef breeds in the world and has been exported to over 70 countries. The Charolais can weigh up to 1,000 kg and has a white or cream coat with pink skin. The breed is mainly used for beef production, but also for crossbreeding with other breeds. The Charolais is known for its fast growth rate, large frame, and high meat yield.
Conclusion
These are the top 10 biggest cows in the world, based on their weight and height. As you can see, most of them originated in Europe, especially in France, and are mainly used for beef production. However, some of them also have other purposes, such as milk, draught, or crossbreeding. These giant breeds have their own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the environmental and economic conditions of the farmers. If you are interested in raising any of these cows, make sure you do your research and find out more about their characteristics, needs, and challenges.
Most Asked Questions and Answers
Here are some of the most asked questions and answers about the biggest cows in the world:
- Q: What is the biggest cow ever recorded?
- A: According to Guinness World Records, the biggest cow ever recorded was a Chianina bull named Donetto, who weighed 1,780 kg and measured 1.85 m at the withers.
- Q: What is the biggest cow breed in America?
- A: The biggest cow breed in America is the Maine-Anjou, which can weigh up to 1,400 kg. However, it is not very common in America, as it is more popular in France and Canada.
- Q: What is the smallest cow breed in the world?
- A: The smallest cow breed in the world is the Vechur cow from Kerala, India. It can weigh as little as 100 kg and measure as short as 90 cm at the withers.
- Q: What is the most expensive cow breed in the world?
- A: The most expensive cow breed in the world is the Wagyu cow from Japan. It can cost up to $30,000 per head and produce the famous Kobe beef.
- Q: What is the best cow breed for milk production?
- A: The best cow breed for milk production is the Holstein-Friesian cow from Netherlands. It can produce up to 10,000 liters of milk per year.
- Q: What is the best cow breed for beef production?
- A: The best cow breed for beef production depends on various factors, such as feed efficiency, meat quality, market demand, etc. However, some of the most popular beef breeds are Angus, Hereford, Simmental, Limousin, Charolais, etc.
- Q: What is the best cow breed for draught purposes?
- A: The best cow breed for draught purposes depends on the terrain, climate, workload, etc. However, some of the most common draught breeds are Zebu (Brahman), Nellore (Ongole), Gir (Gyr), etc.
- Q: How many cows are there in the world?
- A: According to Statista , there were about 940 million cows in the world in 2022.
- Q: Which country has the most cows in the world?
- A: According to Statista , India had the most cows in the world in 2023 with about 307 million heads.
- Q: How long do cows live?
- A: Cows can live up to 20 years or more if they are well cared for. However, most cows are slaughtered for meat or culled for low productivity before they reach their natural lifespan.