Randall Lineback facts for kids
Cow and calf
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| Conservation status |
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| Other names |
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| Country of origin | United States |
| Distribution | Vermont |
Quick facts for kids Traits |
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| Horn status | horned |
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The Randall Lineback or Randall is a special kind of cattle from the United States. It first came from a farm in Sunderland, Vermont. This breed is very rare and is considered critically endangered, which means there are not many left in the world. These cows are known for their unique black and white patterns.
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Where Did Randall Cattle Come From?
The Randall cattle breed started in Sunderland, Vermont, in the United States. It was developed on the farm of Samuel Randall, and later his son, Everett Randall. This family kept their herd separate for over 80 years. This means they only bred their own cattle, which helped create a unique and pure breed.
These cattle are thought to be related to the common cows found in New England during the 1800s. They were an "all-purpose" breed, meaning they were used for many things. Farmers used them for milk, meat, and even to pull carts or plows.
Saving the Randall Breed
After Everett Randall passed away, his cattle were sold. A woman named Cynthia Creech, who lived in Tennessee, stepped in to save them. She bought most of the remaining animals to protect their special genes from disappearing forever.
Many of the cows were not in good health when Cynthia got them. But with her hard work, she helped them recover. Thanks to her efforts, the Randall cattle population has grown. From fewer than 20 animals, there are now over 350 breeding females. This shows how important it is to protect rare animal breeds.
What Do Randall Cattle Look Like?
Randall cattle come in different sizes and shapes. They are well-suited to the climate in New England. On average, cows weigh about 600 to 1,100 pounds. Bulls are larger, weighing from 1,000 to 1,800 pounds or more.
Unique Markings
Randall cattle have a special "lineback" pattern. This means they have black markings on a white body. The amount of black can vary a lot, from almost all white to very dark. Sometimes, you might even see shades of blue, mahogany (reddish-brown), or gray. There are also some rare red Randall cattle.
Health and Temperament
Randall cattle are known for being strong and healthy. They rarely have problems when giving birth. They also have strong instincts to protect their young and survive. These cows are very smart and are usually calm and gentle if they are handled regularly by people.
This breed is great for farms that use simple, natural methods. They do well on smaller farms and homesteads where they can graze on grass. This environment helps their unique traits shine.
Where Are Randall Cattle Found Today?
Most Randall cattle live in the Eastern United States and Canada. While their numbers have improved a lot, the breed is still considered critically endangered. This means they still need protection to make sure they continue to thrive.
