Top 10 Biggest Cows in the World

A cow’s size is crucial, especially for the meat and milk production. Large cows look like the perfect recipe for success. However, it is also important to recognize the challenges that come with raising large cattle.

Not only are there challenges with food but also how cow breeds can adapt to specific climate and environmental conditions.

The selection of cows to be used in cattle farms is not always easy. The modern domestic animal cow is one of the following species: Bous taurus (most farm-calves) or Bos Indicus. (cows with bumps, such as Brahma).

Some blends of these two species exist. There are more cow breeds than 920 in the world today. Here are the biggest breeds of cows and some of their key characteristics.

Top 10 Biggest Cows in the World

1. Chianina

Chianina is the largest domestic cattle breed. It was developed in Tuscany, Italy. The Chianina can reach more than 1,700kg and height. Chianina is one of the oldest and tallest cattle breeds.

While the breed is now primarily used for beef production and draught cattle, in the past it was also popular. Chianina cows adapt easily to warmer climates due to their tough skin which is resistant against parasites.

2. South Devon

South Devon cows are often called “The Gentle Giant” because they were the first native cattle from Great Britain. They can average around 1,600kg, although the largest South Devon cow reached 2,000 kg.

Bulls from this breed may be used for work up until the age of 12. South Devon is a breed known for its meat and milk. High milk production, combined with the well-developed maternal instinct, ensures a high chance of survival.

The cows can reproduce up to 15 years. Due to their long life expectancy, few heifers need to be purchased to upgrade the herd. Many of these cows can also be used as breeding animals, or for superior quality beef carcasses.

3. Maine – Anjou

This French cow breed is a result of the Anjou region. It can reach approximately 1,400 kilograms and is raised for both beef and milk production. It’s known for its ability for muscle building and easy fattening.

French farmers used Maine Anjou calves when they had very small land areas. Because they could get a nice income from the cows and they fatten so easily, they were able to make a lot of money.

The bulls can be very temperamental. However, the cows have a strong maternal instinct and are always well-fed because they give high quality milk.

4. Glan Cattle

Glan cattle were originally bred for multi-purpose purposes in the German Rhine-Palatinate. Nowadays, Glan cattle are mainly used for beef production. The breed can reach 1.45m in height and can weigh upto 1,200kg.

Unfortunately, the breed has been declining in popularity and is being bred less frequently. This breed of cow isn’t used for breeding or in shows due to its phenotypes.

It was almost extinct. The Glan Cattle has slowly recovered after 1985’s efforts by a preservation group. But it remains a rare cow breed.

5. German Angus

Germany also boasts a large cattle breed that can make it to the top of the world’s biggest cows. The cows can weigh in at 1,200 kg and stand 1.5m tall.

The primary goal of the selection process was to find a large breed with good temperament that could be used for beef production with lower levels of fat.

The German Angus is also used for cow breeding, vegetation management, as well as beef suckling.

6. Montbeliarde

This cow breed originated from Montbeliard in France. It was used mainly on dairy farms. This breed can produce more 7,400 liters of milk annually from one cow.

Montbeliarde may reach 1.54m in height and weigh up to 1,200kg. Montbeliarde cheeses are made from milk rich of casein typeB. A variety of functional and production characteristics makes the breed very widely used.

7. Parthenais

This cattle breed has a height up to 1.45m and a maximum weight of 1,150 kg. It is believed that it originated in Deux-Sevres.

They provide high quality milk which is used in many dairy products, including butter. Because it is high in quality and low in cholesterol, it can be used for beef production.

8. Limousin

This French breed, which is very muscled, can attain a maximum weight of 1,100 kilos. These cows were raised in the Limousin and Marche regions.

They are strong, healthy, and very adaptable. Limousin cows have been used as work animals in addition to being great for beef.

9. Bazadaise

The Bazadaise cows were originally used to farm in Bordeaux’s grapevines. The cows can weigh as much as 1,100 kg.

The breed has gradually been used to make reputable beef bread, and it is now the most commonly used French cattle breed for beef production.

10. Charolais

It is the oldest and most loved breed of cattle, not only in France, but all over the world. It can reach up to 1,100kg in weight. France is home to more than 1.5 million pure-race cattle. They account for 25% of the beef cattle in Europe and half of France’s beef cattle.

Meat production has three characteristics: quantity and quality – direct crossings lead to higher carcass weights and a higher percentage of quality parts.

Production costs are low – labor force, feed, and level mechanization. Other large cattle breeds worth noting are the Brahman (or Pinzgauer), Normande, Vorderwald and Belted Galloway.