There are more than 250beef cattle breedsin the world and 60 percent of them are in the United States. Nowadays, beef cattle production farms are as popular as dairy production farms.
Here is a list of well-known beef cattle breeds:
- Sort Angus
- Hereford-vee
- Piedmontese cattle
- Brahmin Beefmaster
- Aubrac
- sh*t
- Darkensberger
- Limousine
- Mongolian
- Rode Angus
- Sint Gertrude
- Texas Longhorn
- Gelbvieh
- Wagyu
The United States is one of the largest exporters of beef worldwide. Undoubtedly, beef cattle are the beauty of any farm and considering the different types of breeds, they are indeed unique in their own way.
A combination of breeds or a specific breed in a breeding program has a significant effect on the profitability and efficiency of livestock farming. Each breed has its own reproductive efficiency, growth rate and mothering capabilities and due to these differences the final product specification varies from breed to breed.
Production costs and total nutritional requirements depend entirely on the breed type as they are related to the size and growth rate of the animal. Therefore, in crossbreeding programs it is essential to select suitable breeds.
Also read:The basic principles of raising beef cattle
Let's learn about some of the famous beef cattle breeds.
1. Sort Angus
It is the most popular breed in the United States. This race surpasses all other races combined. This is because the Scottish people brought with them the Longhorn herds that were crossed with Angus. The polled Angus was initially rejected, but improvements in flavor and tenderness increased market demand over time.
They have very few reproductive problems (dystocia) and their apparently heavy body weight quickly made them popular in livestock farming. Currently, the Angus Beef Certified program requires more than 50 percent blackface and that the beef meet 10 quality standards. Angus' excellent qualities and nutritional values made it number one in the United States. Many butchers and butchers offer pure Angus beef throughout the United States.
Read more aboutBlack cattle breeds
2. Hereford-vee
It is a British breed, originating from Herefordshire, England. This breed is known for its adaptability to different climatic conditions and its winter hardiness. Certified Hereford beef requires a face that is 51 percent white and has absolutely no white markings on the shoulders, side of the body and hip. They are cheaper than the Angus breed.
Males can weigh up to 1,800 pounds, while females can weigh around 1,200 pounds. They are muscular, with moderate to long side length and suitable leg length. They are large, slender and smooth. They are also well developed in areas where desired cuts are produced, such as back, loin and rear or round.
3. Piedmontese cattle
They are originally from the Piedmont region in northwestern Italy. The genetic defect known as 'double muscling' makes it unique. They have more protein and less chemical fat, which is healthier for their consumers. It is difficult for Piedmontese mothers to give birth to double-muscled calves because of their narrow birth canals, which is why Piedmontese bulls are crossed with Angus. This doubles the benefits. In the United States, Piedmontese beef is supplied by historic farms.
4. Brahman
This breed is also popular as American Brahmin. This breed has been exported by the US to many countries including South America, Australia, Pacific Islands, etc. This breed is unique for its large body size and medium depth with medium length legs and straighter back. They are usually light gray in color, but they can also be black or red. An adult female is lighter in color than a male. The male has dark areas on the shoulder, neck, flank and lower leg. A Brahmin cow weighs about 500-700 kg, while a Brahmin bull weighs about 800-1100 kg.
5. Beef Master
This breed originated in the United States and is the result of crossing Shorthorn, Hereford and Brahman cows. It has good fertility and excellent milk quality. They are mainly red. The bull weighs about 1200 kg and the cow weighs about 800 kg. This breed is popular for its resistance to diseases and parasites. The animals of this breed are easy to handle because they have a good temperament.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which breed of cattle is best for beef?
Angus is one of the most popular beef cattle breeds due to its ability to grow healthy bodies through grazing. This breed has very few reproductive problems, making it a 'money maker' for livestock farmers.
What are the five common beef cattle breeds?
There are more than 250 beef cattle breeds worldwide, but the most popular of these are Angus, Brahman, Beef Master, Piedmontese, Herefordshire, Gelbvieh and Limousin.
Which breed of cattle is the most profitable?
- Angus:This is the most popular breed of beef cattle. Their meat quality is excellent and they provide 50 percent of their weight in meat.
- Highland cattle:Although they are not as popular as they once were, they are still sought after by people who know they love their meat. Their meat is rich in nutrients and is very tender. They can survive in colder climates because their thick fur protects them from the cold. Their milk has a higher butterfat content, which means they can also be used for milking.
- Hereford:They can survive in almost any climate. Their market demand is remarkably high and they are cheaper than Angus. The animals of this breed mature early and are more efficient than the rest of the breeds.
Also read:System for monitoring the health of cattle to keep them healthy
How manybeef cattle breedsIs there?
- British breeds:These are the breeds that were developed in the British Isles and later brought to the United States in the late 19th century. Some common examples of British breeds include Hereford, Angus and Shorthorn. They are generally smaller in size, but their capabilities are unique. Their fertility and easier calving processes make them easier to handle.
- Continental European races:These are known as exotic breeds. These include Gelbvieh, Limousin, Simmental, Charolais. They were imported into the United States in the early 1970s, primarily to improve the leanness and growth rate of existing breeds. These breeds grow larger as they age. They have less fat.
What is the fastest growing beef cow?
Of all the popular beef cattle breeds, the Gelbvieh breed is becoming the fastest growing beef cattle breed in the United States. The demand for the Gelbvieh breed is increasing among the livestock producers and also among the consumers, while the other breeds are somehow experiencing a decline in their sales and demand. Growth in Angus appears to have slowed, while Gelbveh can still benefit from increased production and market demand.
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