Breeds of Beef Cattle 🐮 Flashcards
Breeds of Beef Cattle classified by:
1) Genetic Origin (Bos Taurus or Bos Indicus (Zebu)
2) Geographic Origin (British, Continental, Indian, Asian African, U.S. South American
3) Goal/traits (maternal, sire, specialty)
Characteristics of BTBB (angus)
1) Black naturally polled, moderate size
2) Excellent marbling, early compositional maturity
3) Excellent maternal breed, easy fleshing, good milk, production
4) Early maturing sexually
5) Largest number of annual registrations in U.S.
Angus
- black, moderate size, naturally polled
- excellent marbling, early compositional maturity
- excellent maternal breed, easy fleshing, good milk production
- LARGEST NUMBER of annual US registrations
Hereford/Polled Hereford (England) - Characteristics
*Red with white face, also white on underline, switch, etc.
* moderate size, adaptable to many environments, good disposition
* POOREST marbling
Hereford/Polled Hereford (England) - Characteristics
Moderate size, adaptable to many environments, good disposition
What is the marbling status of the English Hereford/Polled Hereford?
Poorest marbling of the British breeds
Hereford are horned or hornless
Horned
Polled Hereford are
Polled
When did the U.S. registry Association of Hereford and Polled Hereford merge?
Merged in 1995 (2nd largest annual registrations)
Shorthorn (england) - Colors
Three major colors - red, white, and roan
What is the size, disposition and milk status of a Shorthorn?
Moderate size, good disposition, excellent milk production
What is the appendix registry program of Shorthorns?
Allows for outside genetics to be introduced (ex: Maine Anjou) and offspring to still be registered.
Bos Taurus Continental (European) Breeds
An example if Charolais
Charolais (France)
- white/off white cream coloration
- extremely fast growing, maturing, and muscular
- large frame (high birth weights)
- lean/muscular carcasses (marbling can be a problem)
- below average maternally
Which Cattle Breeds are Bo’s Taurus British Breeds
- Angus (Scotland)
- Hereford/Polled Hereford (England)
- Shorthorn (England)
Chianina (Italy) (BOS TAURUS CONTINENTAL/ EUROPEAN)
- one of the worlds oldest breeds
- black is prominent color today
- extremely large framed, fast growing, late maturing
- tremendous impact on “show steer” industry
- marbling is problematic
Limousin ( BOS TAURUS CONTINENTAL/ EUROPEAN)
- originally reddish gold in color (pink nose pigmentation and horns)
*black coat with black pigmentation, polled ( acceptable breed standards) - moderate size will finish at < 1200 pounds
- extremely lean, muscular carcass, DIFFICULT GRADE CHOICE
Brahman (India) [BOS INDICUS]
- cross of three Indian breeds
- red/grey strains, black pigmentation, horned
- heat tolerance, disease/insect resistant, crossing ability
- thrive in hot & humid environments (southern US)
- composites: brangus, Santa Gertrudis
- poor marbling
Brangus (USA) [BOS INDICUS]
- 5/8 Angus
*3/8 Brahman - black and naturally polled
- excellent mothering, early sexual maturing, moderate size
- heat tolerance
- two parent cross
- most “widespread” composite breed in U.S.
Santa Gertrudis (USA) [BOS INDICUS]
- 5/8 Shorthorn
- 3/8 Brahman
- dark red, polled, and horned
- developed in King Ranch in Kingsville by Robert J Kleberg
- maternal ability, productivity in hot conditions, Oberammergau hardiness
- composite breed
(50% Santa Gertrudis, 25% Gelbvieh, 25% Red Angus)
Beefmaster (USA) [BOS INDICUS]
- developed by Tom Lasater in Falurias Texas
- 50% Brahman, 25% Shorthorn, 25% Hereford (composite breed)
- no set color pattern
- 6 Essentials ( weight, conformation, fertility, hardiness, disposition, and mailing ability)
- noted for longevity, hardiness, rapid growth, and maternal ability
Texas Longhorn (Texas, Spain Orgin) [ SPECIALTY BREED]
- long distinctive horns, speckled and spotted
- used in cattle drives (lonesome dove)
- 1900’s diluted nearly to extinction
- restored as a specialty breed for prized horns and hide
Wagyu (Japan) [SPECIALTY BREED]
- refers to all Japanese cattle
- Asian strains with British and European
- horned with black and red coat
- prized for marbling & tenderness
- elevated levels of meat (omega 3, omega 6, fatty acids)
- increased imports
Brown Swiss (Switzerland) [Dairy Cattle]
- large docile from Swiss Alps
- known for strength and vigor
- various shades of brown
- light color of border muzzle
- average lactation (305 days and 16,135 pounds of milk)
