Beef Cattle Breeds

1. Beef Cattle Breeds By: Erin Bosch Topic 3082A, B

2. Development of Breeds • Many breeds originated in Europe • Selection for breeds was practiced in British Isles • Began in late 1700s • Most desirable traits were kept • Those without desired traits were culled (removed) from herd • Newer breeds develop in 20th century in U.S. • Exotic breeds became popular in 60s and 70s

3. Angus History • Official name: Aberdeen-Angus • Originated in Scotland, in shires of Aberdeen and Angus • Earliest written records of Angus breeds in 1700s • In 1862, the first herdbook of Angus was published • First imports of Angus to U.S. was in 1873 • Today, Angus breeds are found in every state

4. Angus Description • Black color • Smooth hair • Polled • Have well-marbled meat • Alert • Vigorous

5. Angus

6. Charolais History • Oldest French breed of beef cattle • Developed around Charolles in central France • Charolais started to be imported in 1930 • First to Mexico, then from Mexico to Texas

7. Charolais Description • White to light straw color with pink skin • Heavily muscled breed • Mature cows weigh 1500-1800 lbs • Mature bulls weight 2000-2500 lbs • Most are naturally horned, with white horns • Well adapted to most areas • Used for many cross-breeding programs

8. Charolais

9. Chianina History • Originated in Chiana Valley, Italy • One of oldest breeds of Italy and probably the world • Chianina semen was imported to U.S. in 1971

10. Chianina Description • Original breed was white with a black switch • Skin pigment is black • High heat tolerant • Gentle • Bulls can weigh up to 4,000 lbs • Cows can weigh up to 2,400 lbs • Have fine-textured meat

11. Chianina

12. Devon History • Originated in Devon and Somerset of SW England • Old breed of cattle • Brought to U.S. in 1623 by colonists • Used for milk, beef, ox teams and leather • Devon herdbook was started in 1850

13. Devon Description • Rich red in color • Yellow skin • White, black tipped horns • Polled Devons are from a mutation from 1915 • Long and moderately deep body • High heat tolerance and adaptable to many climates

14. Devon http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/cattle/

15. Hereford History • Originate in Hereford, England • Early breeds were selected for high yield of beef • First purebred Hereford was started in 1840 in U.S. • Breed became popular in U.S. in 1870

16. Hereford Description • White faces and red bodies • White on belly, legs and switch • Docile and easily handled • Produce more calves than any other breed in adverse conditions • Horned • Superior foragers and hardiness

17. Hereford

18. Brahman History • Developed in southwest US from imported breeds of India • Early breeds were selected for hardiness • Ability to produce in southwest climate was also selected for • Used in development of newer breeds of cattle

19. Brahman Description • Light gray or red to almost black color • Most common color is light to medium gray • Characteristic hump over the shoulders • Loose skin, called the dewlap, under the throat • Large drooping ears • Have high heat tolerance • Resistant to disease and insects

20. Brahman