Irish Moiled

The Irish Moiled is a rare native cattle breed from Ireland, especially associated with Ulster and Northern Ireland. It is often called the Moilie, and the word moiled refers to its naturally polled head. Most animals are red with white on the back, belly, face, or tail, though the amount of white varies and some have speckling or broken markings. Historically the breed served as a household and small-farm cow, giving milk while producing calves that could be reared for beef, and it retained a compact, hardy dual-purpose character.

Modern Irish Moiled cattle are kept by rare-breed farms, conservation grazers, small dairies, and beef producers who value native genetics and grass-based performance. They can do well on ordinary pasture and rougher grazing, but they still require good winter forage, minerals, parasite control, and routine hoof and health care. The polled head simplifies some handling compared with horned heritage cattle, although bulls need normal cattle facilities and respect. Because the population is limited, breeding decisions should avoid overusing popular sires and should maintain sound udders, feet, temperament, and calving ability as well as the familiar red-and-white markings.

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