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Hitler's Nazi Super-Cows Head to Britain

Führer attempted to create master race of Aryan oxen

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 22, 2009 1:57 AM CDT

(Newser) – A British farm specializing in rare breeds has purchased descendants from a Nazi project aimed at breeding an ubër-ox, the Independent reports. The Heck cattle stock were developed from efforts to recreate the auroch—a huge proto-cow that once roamed Europe—through selective breeding to remove the genes of "racially degenerate" wildlife.

"I don't think there is anything more sinister in owning Heck cattle than there is driving a Volkswagen," said the farm's owner. "They were a fantasy breed. But they are also quality cattle and a pedigree breed that is remarkably robust. They could one day be returned to a wild environment and become one of the big super-animals that roamed the forests."

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Adolf Hitler specified that the selective breeding program create "Aryan" cattle. (AP Photo)

Nazi zookeepers cross-bred Highland cattle, Freisians, Spanish fighting bulls, and other strains in an attempt to resurrect the auroch. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)

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Between the two wars there was thinking that you could selectively breed animals—and indeed people—for Aryan characteristics that were rooted in runes and folklore. - Derek Gow, owner of a rare breeds farm

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Hitler's Nazi Super-Cows Head to Britain