Breeds of Cattle

Terms Scientific name- Bovine Breed - group of animals related by decent from common ancestors, with similar characteristics Bull - a male bovine Cow - a female bovine Heifer - an unbred female bovine Calf - an unmature (young) bovine Steer - a castrated male bovine

Types of Cattle Beef Cattle Dairy Cattle Duel Purpose Cattle

Types of Cattle Beef Cattle Beef Cattle are cattle that are produced with the purpose of producing beef.

Beef Cattle There are three different classifications of beef cattle. British American Continental

British AKA: English General Characteristics: Good Maternal Ability Early Maturing Adapt well to cold climates

Hereford Herefordshire, England. They are light yellow to cherry red with a white underbelly. They also have thick and curly hair. Medium sized frame. Poor marbling Horned Early maturing and can adapt to most environments.

Polled Hereford They were developed in Iowa but are still considered a British Breed Major difference is that they DO NOT have horns

Shorthorns Northern England The color is not always the same, but mostly roan (red and white) Medium to large frame with medium muscling.

Angus Aberdeen, Scotland Solid black and polled with small ears Smooth hair, medium sized frame, heavy muscled, and great carcass merit.

Red Angus Origin: British Isles Red in color Polled Moderate size Developed from recessive Gene

American Breeds AKA: Bos Indicus General Characteristics: Heat tolerant Disease Resistant Loose Skin Thrive in Harsh Conditions

Brahman India Gray to red in color Horned or polled with a hump over their shoulder Loose skin Large frame with light muscle The most heat and disease tolerant

Brangus Origin: Oklahoma Solid black with a small hump. Made up of 5/8 angus and 3/8 Brahman. Polled. Medium to large frame.

Beefmaster Falfurrias, Texas They are usually red, but there is no regular color pattern. 25% shorthorn; 25% Hereford; 50% Brahman Medium to large frame, and heavy muscled.

Santa Gertrudis King Ranch in Kingsville, Texas Deep cherry red color Made up of 5/8 Shorthorn and 3/8 Brahman Horned and Polled Medium to large frame size and heavy muscled They are hardy and productive in hot temperatures

Continental Breeds AKA: European or Exotic General Characteristics: Growthy Fast Gaining Later Maturing

Main-Anjou Originated in France Dark red with black or white markings Large in frame Heavily muscled

Charolais Originate from France White to a creamy color, and some are red. Large frame animal that is noted for its double muscling .

Chianina From West Central Italy. Off-white with black tongue, eyes, nose, and hooves. Large frame animal with long muscles.

Limousin From South-Central France. Mostly red but they do come in black with lighter eyes and belly. Medium to large frame size with a long body, and heavy muscle.

Types of Cattle Dairy Cattle Dairy cattle are cows produced for milk and dairy production.

Holstein From Netherlands and Germany Black and white Holland Black and white Large sized and heavy milkers Annual milk production is about 16,000 lbs

Jersey Originated from England, English Channel Light grey to dark fawn in color Medium sized animal They milk the more for their body weight than any other cow Annual milk production is about 11,000 lbs

Guernsey Originated from Guernsey, France They are red and white Medium framed cow They have a high feed to milk conversion Their milk is high in beta-carotene Beta-carotene causes their milk to have the yellow color Annual milk production is about 11,500 lbs

Brown Swiss Originated from the Alps in Switzerland Solid brown varying from dark to light. Large sized They have a light colored band around their muzzle They have above average milk fat content Annual milk production is about 13,400 lbs

Ayrshire From Scotland They’re red with white markings They’re the most attractive dairy breed Annual milk production is about 11,600 lbs

Types of Cattle Dual Purpose Dual Purpose cattle are cows that are produced for dairy and beef production.

Gir They originated in India. They are grey in color with a hump They have a average milk production Medium to large frame, with beef characteristics

Devon They originated in England Red in color They have slight dairy characteristic Medium to large frame