​A rare breed cow which spent its life grazing on Gloucester’s wetland conservation area by the banks of the Severn River has provided what has been described as “the best steak in the world”.

The Shetland steer – the second rarest breed in the world – had to be put down just before Christmas after losing a fight against arthritic joints.

But, as the animal was fit to eat, a decision was taken to sell the beef and use the income to help restock the herd at the city council’s Rare Breed Centre at Robinswood Hill.

Now visitors from Manchester to an independent butcher who sold 300 kilos of the meat in the Christmas period have described their eating experience on an internet blog as “the best steak in the world”. And they said that had they have known how good it would be they would have “bought half a cow”.

Derek Wakefield-Brown, the city’s countryside manager, said: “This animal had lived its whole life grazing on the wetland pastures. Our animals all work and help manage Gloucester’s various nature reserves.

“It is always a difficult decision to put an animal down – especially when they are such a rare breed.

 “But there was nothing more that could be done. Now not only has it provided some very fine meat but it will help finance buying three new young heifers to restock our herd.

“I am also delighted that the beef was so obviously enjoyed.”

Councillor Martyn White, cabinet member for heritage and leisure, added: “Our rare breed centre and our city farm are internationally recognised for their conservation and breeding work.

“It is a fantastic achievement when a city can lead the way in what would normally be considered to be a rural pursuit. This is another example of how Gloucester is putting itself on the map.”

The blog entry was posted on the "manchesterisace" blog.

The duo got the meat from Tony’s Butchers, which is based in Kendrick Street and had the delivery of the cow just as they were inside the shop.

Two big sirloins of the meat cost £13.

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