Breeds of Beef Cattle

Vocabulary Bos taurus- domestic cattle originating from either the Aurochs or the Celtic Shorthorn Bos indicus-- humped cattle originating in tropical countries Crossbreeding- the interbreeding of two or more different breeds of the same species of animal Double muscling- an abnormal condition in some beef animals where muscle cells multiply or increase out of proportion to normal cells Dual-purpose breed- cattle that are bred for both meat and milk production

Vocabulary Horned- cattle that have horns carry the horned trait as a homozygous recessive condition Hybrid vigor- increased growth rate often noted in cattle resulting from first-cross mating Longevity- length of productive life Polled-Naturally hornless Progeny- the offspring or young of animals Commercial cow/calf producer- producer of beef cattle primarily concerned w/ pounds of beef produced

Vocabulary Purebred breeder- producer of beef herd sires or replacement heifers to be used by commercial cow/calf or other purebred breeders Progeny testing- the testing of the offspring of individuals for various growth and carcass traits

Vocabulary Bull- mature male cattle of breeding age 11/19 1st per. 11/19 6th per. Bull- mature male cattle of breeding age Heifer- immature female cow Calf- baby cow Steer- castrated male Cow- mature female cattle of breeding age Bullock- male castrated after reaching sexual maturity

European

Angus

Angus Originated in Northeast Scotland. Polled and moderate in size Solid red or black Only breed solely for beef Reputation for early maturity

Hereford

Hereford Originated in Hereford England Red with white markings White face and white on the underline, flank,chest,switch,and below the knees High yield of beef Thick coat of hair

Polled Hereford

Polled Hereford Originated in Iowa Red with white markings: White face, white on the underline, flanks, crest, switch, breast, and below the knees. Adequate in size Ability to adapt and dependable for reproduction

Red Angus

Red Angus Originated in Scotland Evolved from Black Angus Known for beef producing characteristics Ease in calving Good milking ability

Shorthorn

Shorthorn Originated in Durham, Northumberland They may be red or white, or both Good milking ability Excellent growth and carcass traits

American Breeds

Beefmaster

Beefmaster Originated in Falfurias, Texas in 1908 Red is the dominant color, but color is variable and disregarded Known for weight, conformation, milking ability, fertility, hardness, and disposition Majority are horned Good milk producers w/heavy weaning weights

Brahman

Brahman Originated in India Gray or red is preferred, but there are brown, black, white, and spotted Have a hump and long ears Are known for heat tolerance, withstanding low temperatures, disease and insect resistance, resistance to bloating, good crossbreeding, and intelligence

Brangus

Brangus Originated in Oklahoma 3/8 Brahman + 5/8 Angus cross 1st per. 11/20 6th per. 11/20 Originated in Oklahoma 3/8 Brahman + 5/8 Angus cross Polled and black in color Slight crest over neck and smooth, sleek coat Feeder cattle yield thick, high cutting carcasses

Santa Gertrudis

Santa Gertrudis Originated in Texas Named after Spanish land grant of Santa Gertudis 5/8 Shorthorn & 3/8 Brahman Can be red or cherry red Generally horned, but they’re polled strains Hair is short, straight and slick

Simbrah

Simbrah Originated in the U.S., mostly Texas Purebred consists of 5/8 Simmental and 3/8 Brahman Can be red, straw, or gray in color w/white intermixed Known for fertility, hardiness, adaptability, rapid growth, heat tolerance, and longevity

Watusi

Watusi Originated in Africa Comes in all colors Resistant to drought, direct sunlight, and heat Digestive system can utilize poor quality and limited quantities of food and water

Exotics

Charolais

Charolais Originated in Charolais, France Characteristics: Light tan at birth Change to a creamy white Horned and have pink skin and mucous membranes Noted for large size,growth thrust and bred-in meat

Chianina

Chianina Originated in the Chianina Valley, Tuscany Province in central Italy Characteristics: Porcelain white hair Black switch Dark skin Horns and a narrow head Largest breed of cattle in the world and known for trimness of middle and fineness of head

Gelbvieh

Gelbvieh Originated in Bavaria Characteristics: Solid golden red to rust in color Horned Large, long-bodied, well-muscled and have high-quality carcasses Known for excellence in growth, muscling, and marketability

Limousin

Limousin Originated in southwestern France Characteristics: 1st per. 11/21 Limousin Originated in southwestern France Characteristics: Wheat to rust color Lower in fat,cholesterol,and calories that average choice beef Known for aggressiveness and fertile sires that produce calves with genetic ability to grow quickly and efficiently

Maine-Anjou

Maine-Anjou Originated in French province of Maine and Anjou Characteristics: Dark red w/ white underline, often w/ small white patches,dark roans are found Known for calving ease, high fertility performance, feed efficiency, carcass quality, udder quality, early maturity & good disposition

Salers

Salers Originated in south-central mountainous area of France 6th per. 11/21 Originated in south-central mountainous area of France Characteristics: Solid deep cherry red, w/ white switch and sometimes white spots under the belly Oldest and most genetically pure of all European breeds Known for calving ease, maternal efficiency and carcass merit

Simmental

Simmental Originated in the Simme Valley of western Switzerland Characteristics: Red and white spotted Dominant white face Efficient producers of quality beef and adapt easily to severe weather conditions

Other Beef Cattle

Beefalo

Beefalo Originated in California 3/8 buffalo and 5/8 domestic cattle Breed medium in size and can be assorted colors Meat is higher in protein and lower in fat than domestic beef Females have a production life of about twice that of domestic female cattle

Belted Galloway

Belted Galloway Originated in Scotland Black with a brownish tinge or dun with a white belt completely encircling the body between the shoulders and hooks Breed produces high-quality meat, calves easily has a regular breeding cycle and breeds back easily and quickly Heavy coat of hair

Braford

Braford Originated in Florida Red or brindle, with white markings on the head and pigmentation around the eyes Horned and polled strains Short haired, heat tolerant, fertile and good milk producers Have only a slight hump

Charbray

Charbray Originated in Texas ¾ Charolais 1/4 Brahman to 7/8 Charolais and 1/8 Brahman Light tan at birth, usually changes to a creamy white in a few weeks Known for easy calving, structural soundness, climatic adaptability, high rate of gain, quality lean beef

Corriente

Corriente Originated in Mexico Any color is acceptable except pure white Known as sports cattle with high fertility rates, early maturity, trouble-free calving and foraging efficiency Small, athletic animals with high stamina Have heavy horns and a gentle disposition Used for team roping, bull dogging, team penning and cutting

Romagnola

Romagnola Originated in Italy Are solid off-white to light gray Bulls usually have a darker color of hair about the shoulders with black around the eyes and a black switch Tongue, muzzle, body orifices, tail and hooves are black Head appears to be short and horns are longer and sharper than in the other white breeds In Italy , it is used for both milk and meat