beef cattle breeds
- Related Topics:
- Hereford
- Brahman
- Angus
- Shorthorn
- Santa Gertrudis
All modern domestic cattle are believed to belong to the species Bos taurus (European breeds such as Shorthorn and Jersey) or Bos indicus (Zebu breeds such as Brahman) or to be crosses of these two (such as Santa Gertrudis). Beef cattle breeds as they are known today did not always exist, and many are of recent origin to meet an increasing demand for beef. The various breeds were eventually established by years of careful selection and mating of animals to attain desired qualities, emphasizing traits such as disposition, fertility, weight, conformation, and hardiness. The British Isles led the world in the development of the principal beef breeds; Herefords, Angus, Beef Shorthorns, and Galloways all originated in either England or Scotland. Other breeds of greatest prominence today originated in India (Brahman), France (Charolais, Limousin, and Normandy), Switzerland (Simmental), Japan (Wagyu), and South Africa (Africander). See also livestock farming.
A comparison of selected breeds of beef cattle is provided in the following table.
| name | distribution | characteristics | comments | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Angus, or Aberdeen-Angus | originally Scotland, now also United States, United Kingdom | hornless, black, compact, low-set | adapts well to varied climates |
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Beefmaster | developed in Texas, 1908 | red, usually with white spots | breed trademarked Lasater Beefmaster |
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Belgian Blue | originally Belgium, now also United States | large with prominent muscles; straight back | hardy |
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Belted Galloway | originally Galloway, southwest Scotland | usually black; distinctive white belt encircling body between shoulders and hooks | hardy; thrives in rigorous climate |
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Brahman, or Zebu | originally India, now widespread | gray with large shoulder hump | extensively crossbred |
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Brangus | developed in United States, 1930s | large, black, hornless; straight back | 3/8 Brahman, 5/8 Angus |
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Charolais | originally France, now also Mexico, United States | unusually large and white | much used for crossbreeding |
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Chianina | originally Italy, now also North America | white; heavily muscled long legs | largest breed of cattle |
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Hereford, whiteface | originally England, now also United Kingdom, North and South America, Australia, New Zealand | red and white; low-set and compact | popular beef breed |
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Limousin | originally France, now also North America | red-gold; long-bodied; horned | uses feed efficiently |
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Normande | originally France, now also South America | medium-sized; small head; coloured patches around eyes | dual-purpose breed |
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Polled Hereford | originally United States, now widespread | muscular; hornless | mutation of the Hereford |
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Santa Gertrudis | originally United States, now also Cuba, South America, Australia | deep red colour; horned | 3/8 Brahman, 5/8 Shorthorn |
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Shorthorn, or Durham | originally England, now almost every cattle-raising area | horned or hornless; red or roan | calves mature rapidly for market |
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Simmental | originally Switzerland, now widespread | red and white; large; horned | extensively crossbred |