People often refer to cattle with light-colored coats as “white cows.” This term describes an animal’s appearance, not its specific breed. Many cattle breeds can exhibit white coloration, primarily due to their genetic makeup.
White as a Color, Not a Breed
Cattle breeds typically receive names reflecting their origin, specific characteristics, or historical uses, rather than solely their coat color. For example, a Holstein cow, widely recognized for its black and white markings, might occasionally be almost entirely white, yet it remains a Holstein.
Many different breeds can have white or predominantly white coats due to various genetic factors. Some breeds are consistently white, while in others, white coloration may appear as a variation within the breed.
Common White-Coated Cattle Breeds
Several cattle breeds are well-known for their distinct white coats. The Charolais, originating from France, is a large beef breed recognized for its creamy white to wheaten-colored coat. These animals are primarily raised for beef production and are valued for their heavy muscling and rapid growth. Charolais bulls can weigh between 2,200 to 3,600 pounds, while cows typically range from 1,500 to 2,600 pounds.
The British White, from the United Kingdom, is characterized by its white coat with pigmented “points,” typically black or sometimes red, on its ears, muzzle, and hooves. These cattle are naturally polled, meaning they are born without horns, and are known for their docile temperament and hardiness. British White cows generally weigh between 1,200 and 1,500 pounds, with bulls ranging from 1,800 to 2,300 pounds.
The White Park is a historic British breed with a white coat, often with black or red points, and prominent long, curving horns. Historically, White Park cattle were used for meat, milk, and draft, though today they are primarily considered a beef breed. Mature cows weigh around 1,100 to 1,500 pounds, and bulls can reach 1,800 to 2,200 pounds. This breed is genetically distinct from the British White.
The Science of White Coats
The white coat color in cattle is a result of specific genetic mechanisms affecting pigment production. All coat colors in mammals, including cattle, stem from two basic pigments: eumelanin, which produces black and brown shades, and phaeomelanin, which produces red and yellow shades. These pigments are synthesized in specialized cells called melanocytes.
Genes play a significant role in controlling the presence and distribution of these pigments. For instance, the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) gene regulates the switch between eumelanin and phaeomelanin production. In some breeds, such as Charolais, the white coat is due to a dilution mutation, specifically identified in the SILV gene, which lightens the original pigment across the entire body. Other genes, including KIT and MITF, are also implicated in producing dominant white or white spotting patterns.
True white-coated cattle typically have pigmented skin beneath their white hair and normal eye color. In contrast, albinism results from a complete lack of pigment throughout the body, often due to a mutation in the tyrosinase (TYR) gene. Albino animals typically have pink or red eyes because blood vessels are visible without pigment.