Also known by: Krasnaya stepnaya (Russian), Red Colonist, Red German, Red Ukrainian

 

The Red Steppe breed was developed from Red East Friesian and Angeln crossed with Ukrainian Grey and later some Swiss Brown and East Friesian during the time from 1789 to 1824.  It was developed in the Ukraine and southern European Russia by Mennonites.

 

The Red Steppe was the most widespread breed found in the former U.S.S.R., with the highest milk-producing capacity of any breed in that country.  The production per lactation varies from 3,000 to 5,000 kg.  They are a large, dark red breed with some variation in conformation due to the differences in breed composition.  Often times the females reach 550 kg and stand 132 cm, while the bulls can be as heavy as 1,000 kg and stand 142 cm.

 

 

References

Mason, I.L. 1996. A World Dictionary of Livestock Breeds, Types and Varieties. Fourth Edition. C.A.B International. 273 pp.