Vestland Red Polled
Vestland Red Polled cattle are the Norwegian breed known as Vestlandsk raudkolle, a red, naturally polled cattle type from western Norway. The name literally points to its two defining traits: red coat and lack of horns. It developed on coastal and fjord farms where cattle had to be useful milkers, raise calves, and cope with rough grazing, wet weather, and a short growing season. Compared with larger modern dairy breeds, these cattle are generally moderate in size, sturdy, and selected more for practical farm usefulness than for extreme output.
The polled head is useful in small barns and mixed-age herds, but it does not remove the need for careful handling and secure cattle facilities. Today the breed is mostly kept in conservation herds, family dairy-beef systems, and grazing projects that value native Norwegian genetics. Maintaining the red polled type is a key breeding goal, so avoid casual crossing if conservation status matters. Prospective keepers should check herdbook eligibility, available semen or bulls, and whether the animals have the udder quality and temperament needed for their planned system.
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
