Dølafe

Dølafe, also written Dole cattle in English, is a traditional Norwegian cattle breed from the inland valleys and mountain farm districts of eastern Norway. It is a medium-sized, hardy dual-purpose breed that was used for milk, meat, and farm work before modern specialized dairy breeding became dominant. Dølafe cattle vary more in appearance than standardized commercial breeds: red, black, brindle, roan, and white-marked animals can occur, and many lines are horned. The breed declined during the twentieth century as Norwegian Red cattle spread, but it remains part of Norway's native cattle conservation work.

Farms keeping Dølafe usually value grazing ability, thriftiness, and cultural heritage as much as production. The cattle can make good use of rough pasture and summer mountain grazing, while winter management depends on adequate hay or silage, shelter, and mineral supplementation. Milk yield is modest compared with high-output dairy breeds, though cows may suit small farms that want robust calves and useful household or farmstead milk. Because numbers are limited, breeding plans should pay attention to registry information, semen availability, and avoiding close inbreeding. Horns and a strong, active nature also call for sensible handling facilities.

Colors: Belted, Black, Black and White, Blaze Faced, Blue Roan, Brindle, Brockle Faced, Brown, Brown and White, Dun, Gray, Grey, Highbelt, Highpark, Lineback, Mottled, Pied, Red, Red and White, Red Roan, Riggit, Roan, Silver, Solid Black, Solid Red, Solid White, Speckled, Spotted, White, White Faced, Yellow