BREEDS OF BEEF CATTLE

Brahman

Color(s): Can vary (predominantly gray/red)

Horned/Polled: Both

Originated from (When & Where): originated in the United States from humped cattle that were imported from India and Brazil.

Traits: Large drooping ears, loose skin in throat & dewlap, high tolerance of heat and natural resistance to parasites. Considered a maternal breed.

Brangus

Color(s): Black (sometimes Red)

Horned/Polled: Polled

Originated from (When &

Where): was developed in the

United States. Consists of 3/8

Brahman, & 5/8 Angus.

Traits: Hardiness, heat tolerant,

muscularity, early maturity and

production of quality beef.

Beefmaster

Color(s): Don’t have color standards

(predominantly Red or Dun).

Horned/Polled: majority are horned

Originated from (When & Where):

was developed in Texas on the

Lasater Ranch in 1930. Consists of ½

Brahman, ¼ Hereford, & ¼

Shorthorn.

Traits: Breed thrives in practical and

severe range conditions. Also, possess

many desirable reproductive traits

and have high milking potential.

Santa Gertrudis

Color(s): Dark Red

Horned/Polled: Both

Originated from (When & Where): developed on the King Ranch in Kingsville, Texas. Consists of 5/8 Shorthorn, 3/8 Brahman.

Traits: Adapts to adverse conditions and is productive in hot climates. Also, possess many desirable maternal characteristics.

Simbrah

Color(s): No Color Standards

Horned/Polled: Both

Originated from (When & Where): developed in the U.S. in the late 1960’s. Breed consists of 5/8 Simmental and 3/8 Brahman.

Traits: has both maternal and survival characteristics in a hot environment and produces a modern, lean, high quality beef product.

Charolais

Color(s): White to light straw

Horned/Polled: Both

Originated from (When & Where): Developed in France and introduced to the U.S. in 1936.

Traits: Heavy muscled breed, fast growth rate and feed efficiency.

Chianina

Color(s): White to a steel gray

Horned/Polled: Both

Originated from (When & Where): Originated in central Italy. Introduced to the U.S. in 1975.

Traits: Good feed efficiency, increased rate of gain, calving ease.

Gelbvieh

Color(s): No color Standards

Horned/Polled: Both

Originated from (When & Where): Originated in Germany and was introduced to the U.S. in 1971.

Traits: increased fertility, high milk ability, excellent growth rate, and good muscling.

Limousin

Color(s): Golden red to black

Horned/Polled: Both

Originated from (When & Where): originated from France and introduced to the U.S. in 1969.

Traits: Natural genetic ability to produce lean, flavorful beef in a variety of settings.

Maine Anjou

Color(s): Very dark red

with white spots (markings)

Horned/Polled: Both

Originated from (When &

Where): developed in

France, introduced to the

U.S. in 1969.

Traits: Yield extremely

lean, muscular carcasses.

Salers

Color(s): Dark mahogany red

Horned/Polled: Typically horned

Originated from (When & Where): Originated in France, introduced to the U.S. in 1972.

Traits: Calving ease, maternal efficiency, and carcass merit. Are capable of adapting to rough terrain and harsh climates.

Simmental

Color(s): Vary from red & white spots, to fawn or straw colored, to dark red or black.

Horned/Polled:

Originated from (When & Where): Originated in the Simme Valley of Switzerland. Introduced to the U.S. in 1967.

Traits: Acknowledged for both growth traits and maternal traits.

Tarentaise

Color(s): Red with dark pigmentation around eyes and orifices.

Horned/Polled: Horned

Originated from (When & Where): Originated in France, imported to the U.S. in 1973.

Traits: Known for their maternal traits, including fertility and high milking ability. Dairy breed in their natural region.

Texas Longhorn

Color(s): Various colors & color patterns

Horned/Polled: Horned

Originated from (When & Where): descendant of the Spanish cattle brought to the Americas by Christopher Columbus.

Traits: Longevity, hardiness, adaptability, light muscled, and produce calves with low birth weights.

Angus

Color(s): Black hair and skin

Horned/Polled: Polled

Originated from (When & Where): Originated in the Highlands of Northern Scotland, imported to the U.S. in 1873.

Traits: Maternal breed, these cattle are characterized by early sexual & compositional maturity, good milking ability, and excellent marbling.

Hereford & Polled Hereford

Color(s): brownish red with a white face, chest, underline, & switch.

Horned/Polled: Both

Originated from (When & Where): originated in England and was imported to the U.S. in 1817

Traits: Breed is docile and known for its longevity, early maturity, and good milking ability.

Red Angus

Color(s): Red

Horned/Polled: Naturally Polled

Originated from (When & Where): originated in the British Isles and was introduced to the U.S. in 1870

Traits: Carcass quality, maternal characteristics, calving ease, and moderate size.

Red Poll

Color(s): light to dark red in color

Horned/Polled: Polled

Originated from (When & Where): originated in England, imported to the U.S. in 1873.

Traits: maternal traits, carcass merit, and genetic consistency. Calves have been recognized for their rapid rate of gain.

Shorthorn

Color(s): Red, white, or roan.

Horned/Polled: Both

Originated from (When & Where): originated in England, imported to the U.S. in 1783. Polled shorthorns were developed in 1870.

Traits: Early maturing excellent milkers, and known for their good disposition.

REVIEW

Breed of cattle brought to the U.S. from Mexico by

Spanish explorers in the late 1800’s. has various

color patterns, very durable and can adapt well to

rough range conditions.

A. Brangus

B. Santa Gertrudis

C. Simmental

D. Texas Longhorn

Breed of cattle originating in England around the

1600. Originally developed as a dual purpose

breed for both meat and milk production. Red,

white or roan in color.

A. Angus

B. Charolais

C. Shorthorn

D. Simmental

Which breed of beef cattle originated in England.

Has a red body, with a white face, white on its

belly, legs, and switch. It can be horned or polled.

A. Angus

B. Beefmaster

C. Charolais

D. Hereford

Breed of cattle developed in Switzerland. Usually

have a cream-colored face with a light yellow, red

or spotted body. Large framed, heavy-muscled and

produce a lean carcass.

A. Beefmaster

B. Shorthorn

C. Simmental

D. Texas Longhorn

Breed of cattle developed around 1918 on the

King Ranch in Texas. A cross between Brahman and

Shorthorn.

A. Beefmaster

B. Hereford

C. Santa Gertrudis

D. Simmental