Waverley Herd
of Sussex Cattle
Sussex Cattle Breed History
Sussex cattle are generally accepted as being descended from the red cattle that inhabited the dense forests of the Weald land of Sussex and Kent and were recorded at the time of the Norman Conquest.
The almost complete absence of records prior to the eighteenth century makes it impossible to establish with accuracy the origin of the breed, but one of the earliest references to purebred Sussex Catle that is known, is contained in Arthur Young's "Agriculture in Sussex" dated 1793. He made mention that Sussex breeders' ideas ran strongly in favour of a dark red colour; and that the Sussex are remarkable for the fineness of their hides as they are for the closeness and delicacy of their flesh.
The Sussex Cattle Society documents give details of Sussex calves registered since 1840. The first official Herd Book was published in 1879, and the Sussex Cattle Society as it is today was incorporated under the Companies Act in 1890.
The special characteristics of the Sussex have developed from the soil and environment of their breeding over many hundreds of years. Up to a century ago their ancestors were employed regularly as draught oxed, being reared to move with rapidity over their native hills and through the heavy wealden clay of south eastern England. The cattle were renowned for their ease of feeding and great weight of beef.
Selection through the ages has resulted in an animal of superior carriage and constitution combines with firm muscling, good feet and strong legs.
Over more recent decades, Breeders of Sussex Cattle have evolved a carcase confomration aimed at producing a maximum of prime meat whilst retaining the inherent genetic qualities of the breed.
Details of the Sussex Cattle Society (United Kingdom).
- Sussex Cattle Society
- Station Road, Robertsbridge
- East Sussex, TN32 5DG
- United Kingdom
- Tel/Fax: 01580 880105
- email:
enq@sussexcattlesociety.org.uk
- website: www.sussexcattlesociety.org.uk
