Through our research, we came across the unique and beautiful British White breed. Further investigation into the breed led us to believe that they would be an ideal addition to our herd. They met all of our 5-point Herd Standards – docile, hardy, and efficient, as well as easy calvers and produce high-quality beef. After working with the cattle and spending time with ranching mentors who have herds of their own, we grew to love the breed even more. They are calm and gentle, mid-sized, disease-resistant, sweetly curious, and thrive in our central Texas environment and family ranch. Our British Whites are truly a joy to have in our herd and a perfect fit for Hunter Lewis Land & Cattle.
Breed history
British White are a naturally polled cattle breed which originated in England and are thought to have descended from the region’s ancient indigenous cattle. Almost all British Whites are white with black points but a small number have red points and their white coat can vary between spotted (or “inked) and pure white. Their naturally-polled genetics helps distinguish them from the similar White Park breed. These legendary cattle have been the subjects of local British and Celtic lore and poetry and for good reason!
BREED CHARACTERISTICS
quiet temperament
British Whites are an extremely docile breed, their temperament is pleasant and showcases their intelligence. They are quite curious and can easily and naturally determine friend or foe and remains protective of their calves from predators yet calm and docile around humans.
easy calving
British Whites have exceptional maternal instincts and are fertile and easy calvers, a prized trait further highlighting their easy management. Our ranch operates at a 100% unassisted calving rate for our purebred British Whites.
rapid growth
Until the 1950s, British Whites were dual-purpose: providing both milk and beef to families. This genetic propensity means that the mother’s milking abilities are well-developed, and their offspring are often fully nourished from the ideal nutrients of British White milk. The American British White cow is of moderate size, 1000 to 1500 pounds. Bulls are from 1800 to 2300 pounds.
Heat Tolerance & hardiness
The skin of British White cattle is darkly pigmented, and this combined with the dark hair around their ears, eyelids, feet, teats and noses eliminates sun damage and eye cancer. British Whites are also extremely hardy and resistant against many health problems, especially viral pneumonia and tuberculosis. They are tick resistant and although the breed has a much longer lifespan than many others, cases of arthritis are rare. The breed is well-suited to almost any climate and they thrive in both hot and cold weather.
efficiency
British Whites are incredibly feed efficient. They are also excellent foragers and convert all types of vegetation into nutrients – including nettles, which is a big bonus for our central Texas ranch. Almost all British White cattle carry above-average numbers of feed efficiency markers in genetic testing – many scoring an 8/8.
beef quality
Beef from British White cattle is prized for its excellent texture and taste. They carry very little external fat but still produce well-marbled cuts of beef with a high dressing percentage.
Hunter Lewis Land & Cattle 