Breeds of Beef Cattle Not Common in the Us Most Common Beef Cattle Breeds

Breeds of Beef Cattle in Ontario

Agdex#:	420/32
Publication Date:	September 2001
Order#:	01-051
Final Reviewed:	28 September 2015
History:	Replaces OMAFRA Factsheets Common Breeds of Beefiness Cattle in Ontario Function I, Order No. 89-090; Common Breeds of Beef Cattle in Ontario, Part II, Order No. 89-125.
Written past:	Joanne Handley - Beefiness Cattle Geneticist/OMAFRA

Table of Contents

1. Breed Comparisons
2. Factors in Pick
3. Mutual Breeds Of Beefiness Cattle In Ontario
   • Angus
   • Blonde d'Aquitaine
   • Charolais
   • Gelbvieh
   • Hereford
   • Limousin
   • Maine-Anjou
   • Shorthorn
   • Simmental
4. Other Breeds Of Beef Cattle In Ontario
5. Related Links

Breed Comparisons

The environments and resources bachelor to raise beefiness cattle are as varied as the breeds themselves. Table 1 groups breeds into biological types for 4 criteria. The tabular array is based on extensive enquiry performed over the past 25 years at the Meat Animal Research Heart in Clay Eye, Nebraska. Observe the tremendous variability in the available breeds.

The tabular array will help you compare breeds and rank them according to criteria important to your herd and market, whether it is reproduction, growth, carcass traits or a combination of them all. More information is bachelor on a brood-average ground for individual traits than is presented here, but a large degree of variability can exist within a breed. Convenance decisions involve individual animals, not breed averages, and so choice of the right individuals within a breed is disquisitional. Employ the information presented here to familiarize yourself with available breeds and narrow down your choices. Selection of individual animals for a breeding program will require analysis of the individual's genetic merit for the traits of interest. Breed differences can exist blamed for production inconsistency, but they can likewise be exploited to produce adapted animals and a consistent product.

Tabular array 1. Breeds Grouped into Biological Types for Four Criteria* **

Breed	Growth Rate and Mature Size	Lean to Fat Ratio	Age at Puberty	Milk Production
Jersey	Ten	X	X	X X X Ten X
Longhorn	Ten	X X 10	X 10 X	X 10
Herf-Angus	X X X	Ten X	X X X	X X
Cherry Poll	10 X	X Ten	X Ten	X X X
Devon	Ten X	X X	10 10 X	10 10
Shorthorn	X X X	Ten X	X 10 Ten	X X X
Galloway	X X	Ten Ten X	X 10 10	10 10
Southward Devon	X X Ten	X Ten X	X X	X X X
Tarentaise	X X X	X X Ten	X 10	X X X
Pinzgauer	X X X	X X 10	X X	Ten Ten Ten
Brangus	X X X	X Ten	X X X 10	Ten X
Santa Gert.	X 10 X	X 10	X X X X	X X
Sahiwal	Ten X	10 X X	10 Ten X X X	X Ten 10
Brahman	X 10 10 X	10 X X	X X X X X	Ten X X
Nellore	Ten X X X	Ten X X	10 Ten X X X	10 X Ten
Braunvieh	Ten X X X	X X X X	X Ten	Ten Ten X X
Gelbvieh	X Ten Ten 10	X X 10 10	10 X	10 X X 10
Holstein	Ten X 10 X	Ten X X 10	Ten X	Ten 10 10 Ten X
Simmental	Ten Ten X X X	X X X X	X X X	10 Ten 10 X
Maine Anjou	X X 10 X X	Ten X Ten X	X X Ten	10 X 10
Salers	10 X X X X	X Ten X X	X X Ten	Ten X 10
Piemontese	10 Ten X	Ten X Ten X X Ten	X X	10 X
Limousin	Ten 10 Ten	Ten X Ten Ten X	X 10 X Ten	X
Charolais	Ten X Ten X	Ten 10 X X Ten	X X 10 X	X
Chianina	10 X X Ten	Ten Ten Ten X X	X 10 10 X	X

*From Cundiff et al., 1993 BIF Proceeding

**Increasing number of X's betoken relatively college values.

Factors in Option

A number of factors must exist considered when selecting breeds for either a seedstock or a commercial program. Amongst these are:

• individual breeding goals
• environment
• quantity and quality of feeds available
• cost and availability of good seedstock
• how breeds will complement each other in a crossing program; and
• market-specific breed combinations may control market place premiums.

If selecting breeds for a crossbreeding program note that scientists involved in breed evaluation research mostly recommend a 50/50 mix of British and Continental breeding for the cow herd for most of North America, excluding subtropical areas. Limited feed resources indicates a higher percentage of British breeding. Where abundant feed resource are available and/or maximum lean yield is desired, a higher percent of Continental breeding is recommended. For more information on crossbreeding see OMAFRA Factsheet Crossbreeding Systems for Beefiness Production, Order No. 01-011.

Common Breeds Of Beefiness Cattle In Ontario

A brief overview of the history, concrete characteristics and dominant traits of the beef cattle breeds common to Ontario follows. The breeds in this section accept substantial numbers in both purebred and commercial operations and have undergone substantial selection programs over the years. The breeds listed offer the genetics and selection required to develop a breeding program suitable for the available market.

Angus

The Aberdeen Angus breed existed in Scotland 400 years agone and evolved during the 19^th century in northeast Scotland in the counties of Angus and Aberdeen. The offset Aberdeen Angus was imported into Canada in 1860.

Angus cattle are solid blackness or red and are polled. Both colours are registered in the Canadian Angus Association herd book. Angus are noted for practiced maternal qualities and a high carcass quality. Angus cattle are also recognized for their ability to forage nether rugged conditions.

Figure ane . An Angus bull.

Blonde d'Aquitaine

Blonde d'Aquitaine originated in the southwest of France, where they adult equally a dual-purpose breed. Animals are cream to fawn coloured. The brood is horned and recognized primarily for its beef characteristics and loftier yielding carcasses. The first Blondes were introduced into Canada in 1971.

Effigy ii . The Blonde d'Aquitaine.

Charolais

Charolais, one of the oldest French breeds and the earliest European import into Canada, arrived from the U.S. in 1955 and from French republic in 1967. Originally, Charolais were used for meat, draft and milk, but accept since become specialized every bit a beef breed. Cattle of the Charolais breed are big and heavy, white to cream-coloured and either horned or polled. Through sire evaluation and breed improvement, they offer the beef manufacture hardy cattle with rapid growth and good muscling.

Figure three . A Charlolais bull.

Gelbvieh

Gelbvieh or German language Yellow Cattle evolved in the early 19^th century through the crossing of various breeds in northern Bavaria. This produced a growthy dual-purpose animate being that likewise served equally a typhoon beast. Gelbvieh have been in Canada since 1972. Accent in North America in recent years has been on meat production.

The Gelbvieh is solid-coloured, scarlet aureate to russet, with fine dense pilus. They take practiced size, heavy muscling and are known for their desirable carcass and potent maternal characteristics.

Figure 4. A Gelbvieh balderdash.

Hereford

The Hereford, ane of the oldest cattle breeds, was developed in Herefordshire, England. First importations into Canada were in 1860.

The Hereford is a reddish-chocolate-brown colour with white on the head, brisket, chest, underpart of the body, lower legs and tassel. The white face is a dominant characteristic. Herefords can be either horned or polled.

Hereford cattle are extremely hardy and show excellent foraging ability. Among beef breeds, they are non high milk producers only accept good growth potential and calve relatively easily. Their popularity is shown by their continued utilize every bit a beefiness-producing animate being that crosses well with other breeds. Bulls are ordinarily docile and easy to handle.

Figure 5 . A Hereford bull.

Limousin

The Limousin originated in the colina country of south-fundamental France. The cattle range from a golden wheat color in the females to a deep ruby-gold in the males, concealment somewhat with maturity and historic period. The Limousin has ever been selected for its meat qualities. Referred to as the "carcass breed," Limousins do well in carcass competitions with their large rib optics and high yielding, quality, lean carcass.

Cows are besides noted for their calving ease and mothering power. Limousins were introduced into Canada from French republic in late 1968.

Effigy 6 . A Limousin balderdash.

Maine-Anjou

The Maine-Anjou is one of the largest breeds of cattle in French republic. They were adult in Brittany when stock that existed in the expanse earlier 1850 were crossed with imported Shorthorns to produce a superior animal. The brood is large, horned, and is dark crimson, usually with a white underline and often with small white patches on the body. The appeal of this breed to cattle producers is their loftier growth rate, milking ability and adept disposition. Lean carcass quality and high cutability too put them in demand.

The breed was first imported into Canada in 1968.

Figure 7 . A Maine-Anjou balderdash.

Shorthorn

The Shorthorn originated in the counties of Durham, Northumberland and York, England. First importations into Canada took place in 1825. The Shorthorn has been chosen the Foundation breed since information technology has been used in the development of 30 or more than exotic breeds throughout the world.

Shorthorns may exist red, white, roan or whatever combination of red and white. Cattle are either horned or polled. The breed acquired a reputation for hardiness, mothering ability, and good temperament. The major development of the breed has been for beef production, although dual- purpose herds for milk production are existence maintained.

Figure 8 . A Shorthorn bull.

Simmental

The Simmental originated in Switzerland during the Heart Ages. Although developed every bit a triple purpose meat/draft/milk beast, they are at present considered a dual purpose milk and meat producer. Simmentals range in colour from lite tan to dark scarlet with white markings on the head, behind the shoulders, abdomen, legs and flank. They can be horned or polled.

Simmentals are noted for their muscling, high growth charge per unit and high milk product. Simmental cows usually wean heavy calves due to their high milk production and the breed's high growth potential. First imports into North America were in 1967.

Figure 9 . A Simmental balderdash.

Other Breeds Of Beef Cattle In Ontario

At that place is limited availability of purebred seed stock from the breeds listed in this section due to the small number of breeders and purebred stock in Ontario. Several of the breeds are used in crossbreeding programs for specific traits. The double-muscled breeds are ofttimes bred to the low end of dairy herds to increase meat yield and marketability of veal calves. Breeds known for their calving ease can be used on heifers, and include Salers, Murray Greyness and Galloway. If considering one of the following breeds it is important to understand where they fit in the Ontario market, what market opportunities are available and whether or not seed stock can be located and purchased.

Belgian Blue

Belgian Dejection are the third largest and peradventure fastest growing beef brood in Great Britain. First introduced to Canada in 1976, information technology is 1 of the highest yielding beef breeds. The breed's attributes include double-muscling, fine bones and quiet temperament. Dairy producers are making use of Belgian Blue semen to raise beef-type calves from the bottom end of their dairy herds.

Chianina

The Chianina brood of cattle is of aboriginal origin, going back to the Roman era when they were used equally draft animals. These cattle derive their proper noun from the Chiana Valley in Italy. It is ane of the largest breeds of cattle in the globe with weights upwardly to 4,000 lbs. The animals are tall, long-legged, long bodied and heavy. Mature bulls are 6 anxiety tall and are higher at the back. They have white hair and blackness skin, and adapt well to hot climates.

Chianina are noted for rapid growth rate, leanness, high dressing percent and calving ease. Outset importation into Canada occurred in 1971.

Galloway

Galloway is an older breed, adult in southwestern Scotland. They have non experienced the extreme convenance for blazon that other breeds accept. They were originally imported from Britain into Canada in 1861.

Three divide breeds of Galloway exist; Galloways, Belted Galloways and White Galloways. They are registered in the aforementioned herd book but in iii separate sections. Three colours are registered: black, dun and red. All Galloways are polled and are noted for their hardiness, maternal traits, calving ease and foraging power. Their double hair coat allows them to thrive yr round in the harshest climates, requiring minimal shelter.

Highland

Highland cattle originated in the Highlands and west coastal area of Scotland. They were first imported into Canada in the 1880's. The brood is horned and can be black, brindle cherry-red, yellow, white or dun in colour.

The breed will survive and reproduce nether farthermost climatic and poor grazing conditions. It is known for its browsing power. The double coat consisting of a downy undercoat and long outer glaze that can reach 13 inches is well oiled to shed rain and snow. They are slow maturing and noted for longevity.

Murray Grey

The Murray Grayness cattle originated in Commonwealth of australia and were introduced into Canada in 1969. The breed resulted from the chance mating in 1905 of a calorie-free roan, nearly white Shorthorn moo-cow to a purebred blackness Angus bull, producing a calf that was argent grey in colour. The aforementioned cow produced 12 calves, all greyness, by various Angus bulls. From 8 females of these naturally polled grey calves the colour remained dominant in their progeny although Angus bulls were used exclusively.

The breed has a reputation for calving ease, mothering ability, hardiness and a docile temperament. They are easy keepers, can finish on grass and accept a high carcass cutability.

Parthenais

The Parthenais brood existed in Western Europe for hundreds of years with the official French herdbook being established in 1893. The Canadian herdbook was established in 1993 following the first importations of embryos and semen in 1991. Parthenais are docile, reddish buckskin cattle with black pigmentation. They are highly productive, fertile producers known for their high cutability and heavily-muscled carcass.

Piedmontese

The Piedmontese is considered a double-muscled breed, which is native to simply a pocket-size section of northwest Italy in the Alps. Importations into Canada were delayed because the national breed association in Italy refused to sell breeding stock until 1980.

Piedmontese are fawn in colour, gradually turning white with black pare pigmentation. The breed is considered to be fully double-muscled, with none of the difficulties traditionally associated with this characteristic, and are noted for their quality, lean carcass, high cutability and calving ease.

Pinzgauer

The Pinzgauer belongs to a group of European cattle breeds that are indigenous to the Alpine regions of Austria. They are considered a dual-purpose brood. The showtime Pinzgauers arrived into Canada in the early 1970'south.

The hair colour of the Pinzgauer cattle is chestnut brownish having a range of light to nighttime chocolate-brown with a clearly defined white stripe of varying width along the back and loins. The breed is of medium size, horned, with a gentle temperament. Pinzgauer are known for their longevity, fertility and mothering ability.

Red Poll

Red Polls existed every bit a prehistoric breed in Europe. The Danes introduced them into England. 2 strains, the Norfolk and Suffolk, were crossed in 1808 to combine fleshing qualities and milking qualities, respectively. This was the origin of the Cherry-red Poll breed that was introduced into Canada in the early 1880's.

The breed is blood-red in colour, modest to medium in size and polled.

Salers

This breed was adult in south-cardinal French republic in the rough mountain region of Salers. The cattle are a solid, deep ruby red, varying somewhat in intensity and horned. A small number are blackness and polled animals are rare. Salers were get-go brought into Canada in 1972.

Salers were originally bred for milk, meat and draft purposes. The brood now is primarily raised for meat production. They are known for their maternal qualities of piece of cake calving and milk production and their power to fodder and tolerate extremes in climate.

South Devon

The Due south Devon breed was developed in the southern part of Devonshire, England. Originally a draft type these cattle were selected for both milk production and fleshing quality during the 19th century.

South Devon's are the largest of the English and Scottish breeds. These cattle are a solid brilliant yellow cherry, varying slightly in shade and oft having a somewhat mottled appearance. The cattle are horned and noted for hardiness, good milk yield and their lean carcass quality.

South Devon cattle were introduced into Canada in 1969 direct from England.

Tarentaise

The Tarentaise is 1 of the old breeds indigenous to the Tall regions of southeastern France. It is a hardy, well-adjusted mountain type that has survived to the present without whatsoever particular infusion of other breeds.

Tarentaise are a moderate-sized animal, early maturing and usually cherry-red tan in colour, with dark pigmented skin. The brood is horned and had been primarily selected for milk production, although they take been selected for beef characteristics since their importation into Canada in 1972.

Welsh Black

The Welsh Blackness are descendants of cattle raised and domesticated in the rugged Welsh mountains of aboriginal U.k. earlier the Roman Conquest in 55 B.C.

Welsh Black cattle are medium in size, horned, black in colour and have thick soft and adequately long hair that is shaggy in wintertime. They are known every bit a maternal breed with gentleness, hardiness, milking power and foraging power.

The first Welsh Black were purchased in the U.S. in 1968 and the first straight importation from Wales was in 1971.

• Crossbreeding Systems for Beefiness Product (Order no. 01-011)
• Beefiness Links

martinezscarlilluded.blogspot.com

Source: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/beef/facts/01-051.htm

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