Ukrainian Grey
The Ukrainian Grey is an old steppe cattle breed of Ukraine, connected with the wider Podolian and grey steppe cattle group of eastern Europe. It has a pale to darker grey coat, black-tipped points in many animals, large lyre-shaped horns, and a strong frame once prized for draught work as well as beef. Before tractors and specialized commercial breeds changed farming, Ukrainian Grey oxen were central to field work, carting, and travel across open agricultural country.
Today the Ukrainian Grey is mainly a heritage and genetic-resource breed. Its value lies in resilience, thrift, maternal ability, and adaptation to open landscapes rather than fast feedlot gain or very high milk output. Conservation herds need accurate identification, mating records, and protection from casual crossing with other grey cattle. Farms and reserves using the breed should plan fencing, handling races, and group movement around large horned adults, especially when mature cows and bulls are handled in mixed-age groups.
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
