A Complete Guide to Caring for Hereford Cows

Hereford cows are one of the most popular and recognisable beef cattle breeds in the UK and around the world. Known for their distinctive red bodies with white faces, Herefords are prized for their hardy nature, easy calving, and high-quality beef. Whether you’re a smallholder or a new farmer looking to raise cattle for beef, Herefords are an excellent choice due to their adaptability and manageable temperament.

This guide covers everything new owners need to know about caring for Hereford cows, including housing, feeding, health care, breeding, and general management.

A Brief History of Hereford Cows

The Hereford breed originated in Herefordshire, England, during the 18th century. Originally bred as draught animals and for beef production, Herefords became popular due to their ability to thrive on poor-quality pasture while still producing excellent beef.

Over time, Herefords spread across the world and became one of the most popular beef cattle breeds. Today, Hereford beef is highly sought after for its marbling, tenderness, and flavour, making it a premium product in the meat industry.

Key Characteristics of Hereford Cows

Hereford cows have several distinctive traits that make them a popular choice for both commercial farmers and smallholders.

• Coat Colour: Red body with a white face, chest, and tail switch. Their distinctive markings make them easy to recognise.
• Size: Medium to large-sized breed. Mature cows typically weigh between 500-600kg, while bulls can weigh up to 900kg.
• Temperament: Generally docile and easy to handle, making them suitable for beginners.
• Beef Quality: Hereford cattle produce high-quality beef with good marbling, resulting in tender, flavourful meat.
• Hardiness: Known for their ability to thrive in a variety of climates and farming systems, including extensive grazing on rough pasture.

Housing for Hereford Cows

Herefords are hardy animals that can live outdoors year-round, but they still need appropriate shelter and fencing to keep them comfortable and safe.

Shelter Requirements

• Natural Shelter: In mild climates, Herefords can rely on natural shelter such as trees, hedgerows, and hills to protect them from wind and rain.
• Man-Made Shelter: In harsher climates or for young calves, provide a field shelter or barn where the cattle can retreat during extreme weather. The shelter should be well-ventilated, dry, and spacious enough for all animals to lie down comfortably.

Fencing

• Secure Fencing: Hereford cattle are strong and curious, so secure fencing is essential. Use post-and-rail fencing or electric fencing to keep them contained.
• Gate Safety: Ensure gates are secure and wide enough to prevent injuries, especially for bulls and larger cows.

Feeding Hereford Cows

Hereford cows are efficient grazers and can thrive on pasture-based systems. However, they need a well-balanced diet to maintain health and productivity, especially during the winter months.

Diet

• Grass and Forage: The majority of a Hereford cow’s diet should consist of grass and forage, such as hay or silage. They are well-suited to grazing on rough, low-quality pasture.
• Concentrates: Provide supplementary concentrates during the winter or for pregnant and lactating cows. These provide additional energy and protein.
• Minerals and Vitamins: Provide a mineral block or loose minerals to ensure your cattle receive essential nutrients, including calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.

Water

• Cows need constant access to fresh, clean water. An adult cow can drink between 50-100 litres of water per day, depending on weather conditions and diet.

Breeding Hereford Cows

Hereford cows are known for their ease of calving and strong maternal instincts, making them an ideal choice for breeding.

Breeding Tips

• Age to Breed: Heifers can be bred from around 15-18 months of age, once they have reached 60-65% of their adult weight.
• Gestation Period: The gestation period for cows is approximately 283 days (about 9.5 months).
• Calving: Hereford cows are known for their ease of calving, reducing the need for intervention. However, it’s important to monitor cows during labour and be prepared to assist if necessary.

Artificial Insemination (AI)

• Many farmers use AI to breed Hereford cows with top-quality bulls to improve genetic traits such as growth rates and beef quality.

Health Care for Hereford Cows

Maintaining good health care practices is essential to keep your Hereford cows healthy and productive. Regular health checks, vaccinations, and parasite control are key components of good herd management.

Vaccinations

Work with your vet to establish a vaccination schedule. Common vaccinations include protection against:

• Clostridial diseases (e.g., tetanus, blackleg)
• Leptospirosis
• Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD)
• Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR)

Deworming

Regular deworming is necessary to control internal parasites. Use faecal egg counts to determine the parasite burden and avoid overusing dewormers to prevent resistance.

Hoof Care

• Trimming: Check hooves regularly for overgrowth or damage. Hooves should be trimmed every 4-6 months, depending on the environment.
• Foot Rot Prevention: Keep housing areas clean and dry to reduce the risk of foot rot.

Common Health Issues

• Bloat: Ensure your cows have a consistent diet and avoid sudden changes in feed to reduce the risk of bloat.
• Lice and Mites: Check your cattle regularly for external parasites and treat them with appropriate medications if necessary.
• Mastitis: A bacterial infection of the udder that can occur in lactating cows. Maintain good hygiene during milking to reduce the risk.

Behaviour and Handling

Hereford cows are known for their calm and docile temperament, making them easy to handle.

• Calm Handling: Approach your cows calmly and avoid sudden movements to prevent stress.
• Positive Reinforcement: Use treats and gentle handling to build trust with your cows.
• Training: Cattle can be trained to follow basic commands and routines, making them easier to manage.

Why Choose Hereford Cows?

There are several reasons why Hereford cows are a popular choice for both smallholders and commercial farmers:

• High-Quality Beef: Hereford beef is renowned for its marbling, tenderness, and flavour, making it a premium product in the meat industry.
• Hardy and Adaptable: Herefords can thrive in a variety of climates and farming systems, including extensive grazing on rough pasture.
• Easy Calving: The breed is known for its ease of calving, reducing the need for intervention during births.
• Friendly Temperament: Their docile nature makes them suitable for beginners and smallholders.

Final Thoughts

Hereford cows are an excellent choice for new cattle owners looking to raise a hardy, low-maintenance beef breed. Their high-quality beef, easy calving, and friendly temperament make them a rewarding addition to any farm or smallholding.

By providing proper housing, a balanced diet, regular health care, and good breeding management, you can ensure your Hereford cattle remain healthy and productive. Always work closely with your vet to establish a health management plan and enjoy the experience of raising this iconic and valuable British breed.