Description

In the following chapter the information gathered about the nature of grey cattle is presented. Their nature has been written down as the owner has described it and no further systematic control of the information has been made. Most of the distinguishing features were mentioned by majority of grey cattle owners. No morphologic measurements have been made.

Milk

• good milk cow, gives a lot of milk

• yellow, fat milk

• the milk taste do not change when it starts to dry up

• strong, beautiful odder

• udder white or multicoloured, teats usually black

• milk comes easily from the udder, even a child can milk these cows

Calfs

• calf’s are usually darker when they are born, sometimes black

• the colour of calf’s turn quickly grey (within ca. 2 months)

• the cow gives born to the calf independently without any help

Body, horn, hoof, skin and hair

• good health

• above the hoof a white stripe around the leg. In this way it is easy to know if there will be born a grey calf – you can see it immediately when the legs came out.

• part of the fur hairs very coarse, the under coat may filt winter time

• a mane on the back

• dark stripe on top of the back

• long body

• large bones (part of them)

• part has a very round body if looked from ahead

• all have horns

• nice horns pointing in front and being a little bent like in a half circle

• two owners told that they have seen horns onf grey cattle that turn around and then point out to the side (like ram’s horn on sheep, look at Alavere old cow photo)

• the hoofs grow slowly, there is now need to cut them

• it change fur hair and the hair can sparkle in black

• the hair is grey, blue grey, rot grey, ash grey, black and white.

• If another cow’s horn goes towards its skin there comes a black stripe on the skin (no need to be a scar)

• strong legs

• sexually mature early (3 months old)

• the colour change into light grey with age

• soft, thin skin

Temperament

• human friendly

• good temperament

• is not afraid

• calm, quiet

• can be sulky

• moves very silently, can nearly invisibly move from one place to another

Two different types of grey cattle

Owners have paid attention that there is two different types of grey cows:

1. One is light grey and has high legs

2. One is dark grey and has short legs. The dark grey cow is a better milk producer. 

White stripe around the leg above the hoof (not checke if this is on all) but several pointed this out. (Photo: Annika Michelson)

Black stripes on skin (if cow is hurt or rub itself against something). (Photo: Annika Michelson)

Strong leg, small hoof that grows slowly, this is photo of a bull (Photo: Annika Michelson)

Dark stripe on the back, typical for several native animals. (Photo: Annika Michelson)

Faces of grey cattle.

There are found the following lines of the grey cattle:

• • Alavere-Palivere

  • Vääna

  • Keava

  • Jõgisalu

  • Loodna

  • Kivi-Vigala

  • Varbla

  • Vihula

  • Neeruti

  • Naistevälja

  • Salla

  • Vastle-Antsla

Mane on the back. (Photo: Annika Michelson)

Winter fur coat (Photo: Katrin Kabun)

Udders (Photo: Annika Michelson)