Alavere-Palivere

There has been found grey cattle at four different places in North-Estonia and they represent four different lines: Keava, Vääna, Kivi-Vigala and Palivere. Of these the Palavere line has been longest in the ownership of one owner. There has been grey cattle a long time in Alavere, Rooküla village. Mrs. Helga Külm from Rooküla village remembers that her father, a school teacher, kept grey cattle during the 1920ies. 

Mrs. Helga Külm (born in 1920) tells: ”I have been raised by drinking grey cow milk” (22.5.2006, Annika Michelson). 

The first grey cow came to Vahtramäe farm in Rooküla in the beginning of 1960. The cow was brought from Palivere but most likely it was also brought to that village from some other place (Grühling, Meeri 22.5.2006)

First grey cow in Vahtramäe farm to the left and its calf some years later adult. Pay notice to how the horns turn around on the first generation of grey cow born at the Vahtramäe farm. (Photo: Vahtramäe farm). There are also another memory of horns turning around and out, just like horns on rams (Saar, Jaan 28.10.2006) 

Grey cattle at Vahtramäe farm in 1980ies. (Photo: Vahtramäe farm)

Vahtramäe grey cow and bull 22.5.2006. (Photo: Annika Michelson).

Grey cattle at Vahtramäe farm in 1980ies. (Photo: Vahtramäe farm)

Calf’s at Vahtramäe farm,  22.5.2006. (Photo: Annika Michelson)

Cattle at pasture at Vahtramäe farm,  22.5.2006. (Photo: Annika Michelson)

Vahtramäe farm cows summer 2005. (Photo: Imbi Jäetma)

Calf at Vahtramäe farm, 22.5.2006. (Photo. Annika Michelson)

Vahtramäe farm cows summer 2005. (Photo: Imbi Jäetma)

Vahtramäe farm cows summer 2005. Still can be seen that some of the horns start to turn down. (Photo: Imbi Jäetma)

The milking production of Alavere grey cows: 32 l, 27 l, 25 l, 38 l with good food. About 6% fat. The grey bull is very friendly, it comes close to human and want them to scratch it behind the ears or on the head.