Very interesting! It would make sense to sail across to the New World with the cattle breeds which were immediately available by the ports, which from the British Isles were of course mostly in Devon.
> As I understand it, the original Devon breed in England remains quite popular.
I would say that's right; you definitely see them around in Devon, where they outnumber the Holstein-Friesians which seen to otherwise dominate the European dairy cow population.
In addition to being regionally available, the Devon breeds are well-rounded triple-purpose animals; in addition to providing meat and milk, they are suitable for draft (e.g. pulling carts and plows), though you don't see them used much for that in modern times.
> As I understand it, the original Devon breed in England remains quite popular.
I would say that's right; you definitely see them around in Devon, where they outnumber the Holstein-Friesians which seen to otherwise dominate the European dairy cow population.