Breeds of Beef CattleBreeds of Beef Cattle

The Beef IndustryThe Beef Industry

Produces 45% of all livestock cash receipts.An average person may consume 100 or more lbs.

Of beef per year.Most beef eaten in the USA is raised in the USAThe state of Texas leads in the # of beef animals

produced.

Why Raise Beef Cattle?Why Raise Beef Cattle?Cattle consume roughage & may graze pasture.Less labor than other industries, such as dairy

Beef cattle do not need to essentially be fed every single day.

Useful in both large and small operations.Meat ”beef” is in constant demand by

consumers .

Disadvantages Disadvantages to raising beef to raising beef cattle…cattle…

A producer can take on several risks by raising beef A producer can take on several risks by raising beef cattle. cattle. Dependence on grain prices. Dependence on grain prices. Dependence on mother nature.Dependence on mother nature.

Beef cattle are not as efficient growers as other Beef cattle are not as efficient growers as other livestock – pigs.livestock – pigs.

A beef cow has a gestation period of 283-days – can A beef cow has a gestation period of 283-days – can only get one offspring in one year.only get one offspring in one year.

Cost of starting a beef operation is expensive.Cost of starting a beef operation is expensive.Cattle, equipment, facilities/land, etc.Cattle, equipment, facilities/land, etc.

AngusAngusHistory:History:

Originated from Scotland.Imported to Kansas in 1873.Suited well to Midwestern climate.Today are found in every state in the USA.

Breed CharacteristicsBlack in color, smooth hair coat; also Red AngusPolledGood carcass with well-marbled meat

AngusAngus

CharolaisCharolais

HistoryHistoryOne of the oldest French breeds; central France.One of the oldest French breeds; central France.Imported to Mexico in 1930.Imported to Mexico in 1930.

Then imported to Texas in 1936Then imported to Texas in 1936

Breed CharacteristicsBreed CharacteristicsWhite to light blonde in color, pink skinWhite to light blonde in color, pink skinLarge and very well-muscledLarge and very well-muscledHornedHornedBulls: 2,000-2,500 lbs.; cows: 1,500-1,800 lbsBulls: 2,000-2,500 lbs.; cows: 1,500-1,800 lbs

CharolaisCharolais

ChianinaChianinaPronounced “Kee-ah-nee-na”Pronounced “Kee-ah-nee-na”HistoryHistory

Originated from Italy, one of the oldest in the world.Originated from Italy, one of the oldest in the world.Semen was imported to the USA in 1971.Semen was imported to the USA in 1971.

Breed CharacteristicsBreed CharacteristicsBlack skin, originally white fur with black switch.Black skin, originally white fur with black switch.BIG! BIG!

Bulls - up to 4,000 lbs., 6 feet tall at withers.Bulls - up to 4,000 lbs., 6 feet tall at withers. Cows - up to 2,400 lbs., 5 feet tall at withers.Cows - up to 2,400 lbs., 5 feet tall at withers.

Improve growth rate if used in cross breeding.Improve growth rate if used in cross breeding.PolledPolled

ChianinaChianina

Hereford (horned & polled)Hereford (horned & polled) HistoryHistory

Originated in Hereford, England; polled in Iowa, 1901.Originated in Hereford, England; polled in Iowa, 1901.First USA herd (horned) in New York in 1840.First USA herd (horned) in New York in 1840.

Breed CharacteristicsBreed CharacteristicsWhite faces with red, curled hair.White faces with red, curled hair.hornedhornedVery hardy and excellent foragers.Very hardy and excellent foragers.White pattern is dominant in cross breeding.White pattern is dominant in cross breeding.

HerefordHereford

Polled HerefordPolled Hereford

LimousinLimousin

HistoryHistoryOriginated in France 7,000 years ago.Originated in France 7,000 years ago.Breed Association formed in 1886.Breed Association formed in 1886.Semen imported to USA from Canada in 1968.Semen imported to USA from Canada in 1968.

Breed CharacteristicsBreed CharacteristicsLight yellow color with lighter circles around eyes.Light yellow color with lighter circles around eyes.Light colored skin.Light colored skin.Lean carcasses with large loin eye area.Lean carcasses with large loin eye area.PolledPolled

LimousinLimousin

Shorthorn (polled and horned)Shorthorn (polled and horned) HistoryHistory

Originated in northern England, about 1600.Originated in northern England, about 1600.Imported to Virginia in 1783.Imported to Virginia in 1783.

Breed CharacteristicsBreed CharacteristicsRed, White, or roan (mix of red and white) coat.Red, White, or roan (mix of red and white) coat.Docile breedDocile breedExcellent milking capability.Excellent milking capability.Polled or hornedPolled or horned

ShorthornShorthorn

Shorthorn BullShorthorn Bull

BrahmanBrahman

HistoryHistoryDeveloped in southwestern USA.Developed in southwestern USA.Closely related to Zebu, or Closely related to Zebu, or Bos indicusBos indicus cattle (India). cattle (India).Used mostly for crossbreeding.Used mostly for crossbreeding.

Breed CharacteristicsBreed CharacteristicsCharacteristic “hump” over shoulder.Characteristic “hump” over shoulder.Light or medium gray coat color.Light or medium gray coat color.Large, drooping ears and loose skin.Large, drooping ears and loose skin.

BrahmanBrahman

BrangusBrangus

HistoryHistoryA result of a cross of Brahman and Angus.A result of a cross of Brahman and Angus.Crosses made as early as 1912 in Louisiana. Crosses made as early as 1912 in Louisiana. Red Brangus developed in Texas in 1946.Red Brangus developed in Texas in 1946.

Breed DescriptionBreed DescriptionSolid black or red in color.Solid black or red in color.PolledPolledGood mothering ability & feed efficiency.Good mothering ability & feed efficiency.

Brangus (Red or Black)Brangus (Red or Black)

Texas LonghornTexas LonghornHistoryHistory

Originated from cattle brought from Columbus.Originated from cattle brought from Columbus.Cattle escaped and existed in the wild.Cattle escaped and existed in the wild.Almost became extinct by 1900.Almost became extinct by 1900.USA congress funded a purebred herd.USA congress funded a purebred herd.

Breed CharacteristicsBreed CharacteristicsMany different colors and shadings.Many different colors and shadings.Horns spreading 4 feet or more.Horns spreading 4 feet or more.Are able to survive on sparse pasture.Are able to survive on sparse pasture.

Texas LonghornTexas Longhorn

SimmentalSimmental

HistoryHistoryOriginated in Switzerland in the middle ages.Originated in Switzerland in the middle ages.Most popular breed in Europe.Most popular breed in Europe.Brought to USA in 1969.Brought to USA in 1969.

Breed CharacteristicsBreed CharacteristicsWhite to light straw faces, with dark red bodies.White to light straw faces, with dark red bodies.HornedHornedDocileDocile

SimmentalSimmental

GelbviehGelbvieh

HistoryHistoryOriginated in Bavaria (southern Germany)Originated in Bavaria (southern Germany)

Introduced in the US in 1971 through AI programsIntroduced in the US in 1971 through AI programs

Breed CharacteristicsBreed CharacteristicsRed & naturally hornedRed & naturally hornedPolled cattle have been developed in USPolled cattle have been developed in USSuperior fertilitySuperior fertilityCalving easeCalving easeMothering abilityMothering abilityHigh growth rateHigh growth rate

GelbviehGelbvieh

Maine-AnjouMaine-Anjou

HistoryHistoryNW part of FranceNW part of France

Imported into North America via Canada in 1969Imported into North America via Canada in 1969

Breed CharacteristicsBreed CharacteristicsColor is originally reddish with white markings on Color is originally reddish with white markings on

head, belly, rear legs & tail (similar to Shorthorn)head, belly, rear legs & tail (similar to Shorthorn)NOW…..color is mainly black with white markingsNOW…..color is mainly black with white markingsDual-purpose breedDual-purpose breedPolledPolled

Maine AnjouMaine Anjou