Cattle come in a wide range of sizes, from compact breeds to those of immense stature. The term “biggest” can refer to an animal’s height, its overall weight, or a combination of both. This fascination extends to individual record-holders, whose exceptional dimensions capture global attention, as well as to breeds generally recognized for their impressive size.
Unveiling the Largest Individual Cows
The record for the tallest cow ever recorded belongs to Blosom, a Holstein Friesian from Orangeville, Illinois, USA. She stood an impressive 190 cm (74.8 inches or 6 feet 2 inches) from hoof to withers when measured in May 2014. Blosom passed away in May 2015 at 13 years old, but her height record remains unsurpassed. Her considerable stature was not inherited from her parents, who were of regular size, suggesting a unique growth trajectory.
While Blosom holds the height record, other individual bovines have gained recognition for their immense weight or combined size. Knickers, a Holstein Friesian steer from Australia, stood at 1.94 meters (6 feet 4 inches) and weighed approximately 1,400 kg (3,086 pounds). His immense proportions prevented him from fitting into standard processing equipment. The Craven Heifer, an English cow from the early 19th century, weighed 1,980 kg (4,370 pounds) and was 3.4 meters (11.3 feet) long, 1.6 meters (5.3 feet) tall, with a girth of 3.1 meters (10.1 feet). Donetto, a Chianina bull from 1955, weighed between 1,740 kg (3,840 lb) and 1,780 kg (3,920 lb) and was 1.85 meters (6 feet 1 inch) tall at eight years old.
Understanding Large Cattle Breeds
Beyond individual giants, several cattle breeds are renowned for their consistently large dimensions. The Chianina, an Italian breed, is recognized as both the tallest and heaviest cattle breed globally. Mature Chianina bulls can stand between 160-170 cm (5 feet 3 inches to 5 feet 7 inches) tall and typically weigh 1,200–1,500 kg (2,600–3,300 pounds), with some individuals exceeding 1,600 kg (3,500 pounds). Cows are also substantial, usually weighing 800–1,000 kg (1,800–2,200 pounds) and standing 155–165 cm (5 feet 1 inch to 5 feet 5 inches) tall. Their porcelain white coats, long legs, and muscular build contribute to their distinctive appearance.
The Belgian Blue is known for its exceptional muscularity, a trait often referred to as “double-muscling” caused by a genetic mutation in the myostatin gene that increases muscle fiber numbers. Adult Belgian Blue bulls typically weigh around 1,100–1,250 kg (2,400–2,750 pounds) and stand 145–150 cm (4 feet 9 inches to 4 feet 11 inches) tall, though some can exceed 1,300 kg (2,860 pounds). Cows average 700–750 kg (1,540–1,650 pounds) and are about 132–134 cm (4 feet 4 inches to 4 feet 5 inches) tall, with some reaching 850–900 kg (1,870–1,980 pounds). This breed’s unique genetics lead to an increased meat-to-bone ratio and improved feed conversion.
Holstein Friesians, while famous for their dairy production, are also among the largest cattle breeds. A mature Holstein cow typically weighs 680–770 kg (1,500–1,700 pounds) and stands 145–165 cm (57–65 inches or 4 feet 9 inches to 5 feet 5 inches) tall at the shoulder. Bulls of this breed are even larger, generally weighing 1,000–1,250 kg (2,200–2,750 pounds) and reaching heights of 170–180 cm (5 feet 7 inches to 5 feet 11 inches). Their large frame supports their high milk production, making them the dominant dairy breed worldwide.