EXCERPT FROM:
AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL NEWS.
Otago Witness , Issue 1942, 7 February 1889, Page 7 (Dunedin, New Zealand)
Among the known breeds of polled cattle one scarcely ever hears of a white polled breed, and yet it is extremely probable that the first polled cattle in England were of a white colour. The late Rev. J. Storer mentions in his book, "Wild White Cattle of Great Britain," no less than four herds of wild or semi- wild white-polled cattle that were kept in parks in Great Britain, all of which were believed to be descended from the original wild cattle of the country. Some of these cattle were said to be as large as shorthorns (Shorthorns are a composite breed from the old White Cattle), the flesh was of excellent quality, and some were good milkers. Crossed breeds from these white-polled cattle existed in several places, and were highly esteemed, but I fancy they have long since disappeared.
A breed of white-polled cattle cropped up in America in a rather peculiar manner. Mention is made in "Flocks and Herds" of a line of white polled cattle, owned by a farmer in Wisconsin in 1815. They are described as having black muzzles and ears, and black spots about the foot. Of late years, they have been bred to Galloway bulls.
The writer in the journal quoted says : "The white cattle were favourites because they were very docile, large and rich milkers, and fair beeves, being of good size and reasonably hardy."