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Domestic Animals of the Plantation

The Domestic Animals of the Plantation Exhibit is located along the Lowcountry Trail, between the Lowcountry Center and the Native Animal Habitats. It features what are now considered historic rare breed animals that were the domestic animals commonly seen on plantations and farms in the 18th and 19th centuries. These cows, sheep, horses, mules and chickens are in fenced pastures and help tell the story of life on Brookgreen Plantation.

The following domestic animals reside at this exhibit.

Red Devon milking cows

The red Devon cow is known to have existed in southwestern England as early as the Roman era. In 55 B.C. the Romans who occupied that area took note of the red cattle they encountered. The first examples of the breed arrived in America in 1623, when three heifers and a bull were shipped to Edward Winslow, in the Plymouth colony. In England, Devon cattle have been bred for increased beef production, larger body weight, and the elimination of horns. In America, however, a few animals have survived with the earlier multi-purpose features that first characterized the breed. This strain of the Devon cattle is therefore known today as the Red Devon milking cow, in recognition of the survival of its milk production abilities. In addition, these docile animals make extremely good draft animals. An ox is a castrated bull that, with proper training, can be used to haul wagons and to plow fields. Typically worked in yoked pairs, there is evidence that they continued to be used in the rice fields of Sandy Island as late as the 1930's.

Mule

In an age before tractors, oxen were not the only draft animals necessary to run a large agricultural enterprise. Mules were also commonplace, prized for their strength, their long working lives, and their resilience. A mule is a cross between a male donkey and a female horse, resulting in a sterile animal with the body of a horse and the extremities of the donkey. The reverse relationship results in a hinny, with somewhat different appearance and abilities. Mules tend to be intelligent animals, which may account for their reputation for stubbornness. They will do what they want to do, and they respond much better to training and persuasion than to force.

Horse

When we think about animals used during the plantation era, it is likely that the horse comes first to mind. Horses were certainly the most status conscious animals of the period. A fine riding horse or a matched pair of elegant carriage horses spoke volumes about the owner.

Tunis Sheep

Tunis sheep are good meat producers and are also known for their long staple wool. Averaging 4 to 6 inches in length, such wool is prized in textile enterprises for its spinning characteristics. Their lambs are reddish colored at birth, only turning white as they grow. Having first come to America as a gift from the ruler of Tunisia in 1799, Tunis sheep are also fairly tolerant of heat. That trait was by no means insignificant in the South Carolina climate.

Dominique Chickens

Chickens were undoubtedly the ubiquitous livestock of the plantation era, so commonplace that no records of them were ever written. Kept for eggs and meat, just as today, they must have been everywhere. Some evidence suggests that they were widely kept by the slave population, possibly offering a source of hard cash as well as a diet supplement. Having been introduced in the 17th century to New England from the south of England, by the mid-19th century Dominique chickens were found throughout the eastern states. Their good temperament, medium size, ability to forage successfully, and brown eggs all contributed to their popularity. By the latter part of the 20th century they had almost disappeared, but the breed is rebounding today.