Bijay Chaurasia · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Image source

Quick facts

Length180–240 cm
Weight400–800 kg
Shoulder height120–150 cm
Lifespan15–22 years
Gestation275–290 days
Offspring1–2 young
ActivityDiurnal
Mating seasonYear-round
NativeNo
IntroducedYes
CommonYes
Best timeYear-round on farms

About Cattle

Cattle are an important livestock species in Iceland and have been part of farming since settlement. They are raised for milk and meat. Icelandic cattle are hardy animals.

Cattle are social and live in herds. They have played a key role in rural self-sufficiency. Cattle form the basis of Iceland’s dairy production.

Habitat

Farms and cultivated fields

Diet

Grass, hay and other plant-based feed.

Social behaviour

Social herd animals.
Last verified: 08/09/2026