Breeds Of Beef Cattle
Angus
The Angus breed also known as the Aberdeen Angus is a British breed, which means it originated in the British Isles, and originated in Angus, Scotland. They are known for their black hide and polled (non-horned) head. The Angus breed is the most popular beef breed in the United States due to their hardiness, adaptability, and quick growth for the producer. Angus beef also finishes as a high-quality product, as it is very often well marbled and tender
Charolais
Charolais cattle are a continental breed, which means from the continent of Europe, originating in France. They can be horned or polled but are recognizable because of their creamy white coat with white hooves, and pink nose. Charolais cattle are a popular breed among producers due to their large and well-muscled frame size. Continental breeds tend to have larger frame sizes because they had dual purposes for meat and draft power. Because of how well-muscled they are their beef grades highly for meat conformation. (See grading).
Hereford
Hereford cattle are a British breed originating in England and take their name from the County of Herefordshire. The Hereford breed was the first to be recognized in England. They can be horned or polled and are a red breed with white faces, bellies, hooves, and tail switches. They are another breed that is fast growing, and easy to manage due to their docility, high rate of gain, and incredible hardiness. Their beef is tender, and they produce high-quality valuable cuts such as the back and loin.
Limousin
The Limousin is another continental breed that originated in France. They used to be a dual purpose breed for draft power and meat, so they are a strong and sturdy breed. Limousin cattle can be horned or polled and are typically a light red with lighter fur around their muzzle, eyes, and belly. This breed has excellent muscling, they have a very high carcass yield, and they grow quickly, which are all positives for producer and consumer alike. Because of this, they have been deemed the “Carcass Breed” grading very highly on meat grades and doing so consistently.
Simmental
The Simmental breed is one of the oldest breeds known in the world. Simmentals are a continental breed originating in Switzerland, and were used for draft power, meat, and milk. The original breed was horned and had a sandy coat with white point, which means head, hooves, tail, and underside, but also a white band crossing the withers. Today Simmentals are often polled and can be black or red with varying amounts of white on their coat. Simmentals are known for a large frame, heavy muscling, and docility. They also yield beef with excellent marbling and white fat.
Wagyu
Wagyu cattle originated in Japan, and the name translates to Japanese style cattle. They are black hided cattle that are horned. The Wagyu breed is a smaller breed of cattle with less muscle than the typical beef breeds. In Japan there are very specific traditions when raising these cattle, which has led to an excellent product. Wagyu beef has become widely known as consistently grading as the best marbled beef.
Mixed Breed
Many producers breed commercial cattle, or crossbred cattle. When producers cross two different breeds like this, the calves often become healthier and stronger. This effect is called hybrid vigor, and it means that crossing genetics usually brings out the best qualities of each original breed. Any of these breeds can be cross bred to achieve this effect. The typical way this is done is producers have a herd of commercial cows which have desirable characteristics adapted to their farm. Then these cows are bred to a pure-bred bull with genetic and phenotypic characteristics they desire in their calves, and the next generation receives those characteristics.