Chillingham Wild Cattle

 

Introduction

Today, I am posting information on the unique herd of wild cattle at Chillingham, Northumberland, NE England.

Information on the Chillingham herd. 

Chillingham Cattle


 
Key aspects:

  • The herd amounts to just 100-200 and for about 800 years or so have enjoyed freedom from major human interference.They freely roam in their natural surroundings in the 365 acre Chillingham Park.
  • The herd may be descendants of medieval cattle assembled around AD 1250. 
  • Compared to modern cattle the Chillingham animals are of modest proportions resembling the typical size of beasts prevelant before the Agricultural Revolution.
  • Other than in exceptional adverse weather conditions (e.g. a harsh winter) the animals are left to their own devices and do not benefit from feed supplements and animal medicines.They are not ear tagged.
  • All the cattle are genetically identical with each animal receiving identical genes from its sire and dam.This feature is unique among wild living mammals and arises from a long history of in-breeding. Despite the extensive inbreeding the animals continue to survive and thrive.Life expectancy is 17 years for cows and 13 years fro bulls.
  • The cattle now fall under the purview of the Chillingham Wild Cattle Association, a registered charity.
  • Escorted tours of the animals' habitat are available with visitors kept a safe distance from the herd.

Herd in context of environment with Cheviot Hills in background.

View of Cheviot Hills in background with Chillingham Cattle in foreground.

 



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