Meat
Devon
C tier
Devon (often called Red Devon or Ruby Red) is an English beef and dual-purpose breed from Devonshire, with a deep red coat and a reputation for thrift on grass and well-flavoured, quality beef. It finishes readily on pasture, producing tender joints and steaks with balanced marbling without requiring extreme grain programmes. North Devon cattle historically supplied both milk and meat; modern lines emphasise beef while retaining maternal strength. Culinary use spans classic British roasts, grilling cuts, and mince from suckler systems in the UK, Americas, and Australasia.
Also known as: Red Devon, Ruby Red Devon
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Characteristics
Preparations
Traits
Grading systems
Grades are placed along a shared scale so systems can be compared side by side.
History
Red cattle of Devon were already noted for hardiness and usefulness in south-west English agriculture.
Francis Quartly and other improvers refined the North Devon type for meat and draft.
The Devon Cattle Breeders’ Society and herd book formalised Red Devon standards.
Devon cattle were established in North America as adaptable grass beef stock.
Global export spread Red Devon genetics to Australia, New Zealand, and South America.
Native and grass-fed beef marketing renewed interest in pure Devon carcasses.