The Lowline cattle are small sized multi-purpose breed of cattle. They are relatively smaller in size than many other cattle breeds, and they are usually polled. The Lowline cattle breed was developed from black Aberdeen Angus cattle, by the Australian breeders.
The breed was actually developed as a part of a major research project initiated at Trangie Agricultural Research Center in 1974 for investigating the implications of selection for growth rate.
85 cows with low growth rate were selected initially from the Trangie Angus herd for establishing the original ‘Lowline’ herd. These 85 cows were joined to yearling bulls. And those yearling bulls were also selected for low growth rate from birth to yearling age.
A high growth rate line or Highline and a randomly selected line or Controline were established at the same time. This unique experimental method was chosen to generate a rapid divergence in growth rate, through conventional within herd selection, in the shortest possible time.
In 1929 the original stock were imported from Canada, with some Scottish and USA animals added in subsequent years. Then the Lowline cattle herd was sold to private breeders when the experiment ended in 1992.
Those private breeders formed the Australian Lowline Cattle Association. The breed is now bred in many countries such as Australia, Canada, United States, New Zealand, United Kingdom and China. Read more information about this cattle breed below.
Lowline Cattle Characteristics
The Lowline cattle are small sized animals. They appear to be, but are not dwarfs. They are naturally smaller in size without having a specific dwarfing gene.
These animals were specifically selected for these genetic traits. They are usually black in color and are naturally polled. The mature cows on average weight about 320 kg.
And average body weight of the bulls is about 400 kg. But sometimes both bulls and cows can weight more. Photo and info from Wikipedia.
Uses
Lowline cattle are multi-purpose animals. They are used for meat production, show purpose etc. They are also popular for raising as pets.
Special Notes
The Lowline cattle are naturally docile and are of very good behavior. They are very easily handled and have relatively calm temperament.
The breed is now very popular in the United States and being used as pets and also suitable for showing by children.
And their popularity is increasing throughout the United States. Review full breed profile of this breed in the table below.
| Breed Name | Lowline |
| Other Names | None |
| Breed Purpose | Meat, show, pets |
| Special Notes | Active, Docile |
| Breed Size | Small |
| Bulls | About 400 kg |
| Cows | About 320 kg |
| Climate Tolerance | All Climates |
| Coat Color | Black |
| Horned | No |
| Milk Yield | Low |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country/Place of Origin | Australia |
