Beef cattle breeds are typically grouped as follows:The tropical breeds (Bos inducus) evolved from domesticated Asian aurochs. Some distinctive traits and qualities are: Bold and courageous. Their body fat layers, hair growth, and entire body composition are designed to conserve heat, not expel it. How severe are the temperature fluctuations between summer and winter? One such program which trains farmers and ranchers on the best beef cattle management techniques is the Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program. They are well-known to survive in rough ranching conditions, without compromising the beef quality produced. They are hardy in cold climates, though black Angus can overheat in hot climates. WebYour choice of beef cattle breed (s) plays a vital role in your success in the pasture-based cattle farming industry. These cows are more resistant to disease and have a very low mortality rate than other dairy breeds, and theyre extremely versatile. If you havent raised dairy cows before, you may want to start small with smaller breeds and expand from there. Required fields are marked *. As their names suggest, varieties in each breed excel at a certain task. I cover this process in detail in my book Grass Fed Cattle - how to produce and market natural beef.#CommissionsEarned. Hence, there is an additional cost of purchasing organic hay and grains to feed your cattle. Their meat is significantly leaner than the meat from most other modern beef cattle breeds. Lucia Wyss splits her life between town and country. Cattle In my articles I recommend some of my favorite cattle farming books and products. Takes too long to list the pros of both Angus and Hereford, but a cross of the two is darn near perfect for the northern 75% of this country. Enjoy! Finding the breed that has the unique adaptations suited to your farm simply requires digging a little deeper into their ancestral climates and breed histories. Stewardship Some adaptations are evolutionary responses to thousands of years of surviving in a specific region. If you decide to use the links to make a purchase, please be aware that we will receive a small compensation. Family Discovering coal deposits around the world an adventure for the ages! While frame size and finishing weight is of less importance to feedlot operations that transport feed year-round to their cattle, there are clear beef cattle breed preferences among cow/calf and grass-finishing operations that rely on growing pasture to raise or finish their cattle for slaughter. Outdoors Theyre also known for their high fertility rates, which means they can produce a large number of offspring quickly. Whatever type of livestock you are most interested in, you may be wondering if you can really have it all. Limited availability. This adds up to the cost of looking after the Wagyu cattle. The Angus cattle are considered to be the top of the line cattle. When it comes to buying a cow, the Brown Swiss is a popular choice. Dairy To ensure you make the most knowledgeable choice, check out the pros and cons of Brahman cattle below, Brahman cattle regularly rank as the number one breed in terms of heat tolerance, efficiency, and hybrid vigor. Herefords are an English breed developed in the 1700s. The European Coal and Steel Community: Unity Through Strength! Overall, the Corriente breed is an attractive option for ranchers looking for hardy cattle that can survive in difficult climates. In addition, theyre known for their high fertility rates, which means they can produce a large number of offspring quickly. Original herd was culled on The Six Essentials: Weight, Conformation, Milking Ability, Fertility, Hardiness and Disposition. The cows have longer facial lines and a long more blockish type body with a bonier more angular rump area. Because of their pale coat, they are tolerant of high temperatures and well suited for hotter climates. The Hereford is a British breed of cattle. She is a serious history enthusiast, specializing in Kansas, agriculture, and the American West. Compare this yield to a Lakenvelder cattle which produces around 38 40 pounds per day. Limousin cattle are very good breeders and can give birth to low weight calves. They are often called gentle giants because of their large size, kind disposition, and high milk production. This book encompasses everything you need to know about your cattle, from their health, handling, and breeding. Copyright 20132023 All rights reserved. Will your cattle need to graze through snow? As a general rule of thumb, 1.5 to 2 acres of land area are required to feed a cow-calf pair for about 12 months. Farmers like them for their obedience. You do not need a lot of acres to raise your cattle for beef. Day 193: Today is national cow appreciation day, and we defiantly appreciate our ladies, for all they do and apparently their photogenic skills! The largest breed of cattle in the world is an ancient Italian draft and beef breed called Chianina, with the bulls weighing as much (or more) than 3000 lbs. Dogs Check out some of these breeds to find the best fit for you and your farm. They are enrolled with EPDs and verified parentage. Sheep Copyright 20132023 All rights reserved. Are horns an asset for protection against predators? Your choice of beef cattle breed(s) plays a vital role in your success in the pasture-based cattle farming industry. Holsteins and Angus are other large cattle breeds. Theyre also not as disease-resistant as other breeds and have a relatively slow growth rate. They will typically die within a few days if they have this defect. Limousin Cattle Disadvantages The West Some examples of desirable characteristics in livestock that breeders might want in their herds include the following: Disease resistance: Sick animals are expensive for farmers. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Psst - we just made the Insteading Community completely free. Wagyu are Asian cattle that are descendants of draft animals (used to pull heavy loads). These cows produced meat, milk and were used as draft animals. An average female weighs approximately 1,200 pounds, while a male can reach up to two thousand pounds. Outdoors Facts on origin, breed structure, population, uses, weight, preferred climate, temperament, health, and production are included. Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Chicken Predators in Kansas: Foxes, Coyotes & Domestic Dogs, Your Path to Abundant Living in Flyover Country. The Corriente breed is known for its hardiness and ability to survive in difficult climates. miniature cattle breeds that suitable for a small farm, Privacy Policy, Disclosures and Affiliate Disclosure. Furthermore, acreage also depends on the geographical location and the quality/type of pasture available for the cattle to graze on. A light brown cow historically used for draft-work in France, the Limousin is most commonly crossed with other breeds like Angus. For this dream to become a reality, ranchers are always trying different techniques and follow different regulations guide for raising beef cattle for money. Some of the most popular breeds of cattle are Angus, Red Angus, Charolais, Hereford, and Simmental. They are also known for their docile temperament and their ability to withstand long periods of travel. The Corriente breed is known for its hardiness and ability to survive in difficult climates. This book will walk you through the process of defining your expectations, determining if purebred cattle are right for you, exploring the types of cattle breeds, and finding more information on your chosen breed. Insect Pests Throughout this site you will find affiliate links to items that we have read or used and highly recommend. Though the Corriente breed has many advantages, there are also some drawbacks to be aware of. How Long Are Cows Pregnant? What do you expect your cattle to do? VIDEO: Competition breeds sustainability. Brown Swiss cattle are prolific breeders with healthy udders. This hay has to be stored in a clean, cool, and dry place, to protect it from the mold. But it can be quite another thing to find sufficient cattle from your chosen breed in your local area. If you grass-finish your cattle, do you want smaller-framed calves that finish before their second winter or is your production strategy and climate suited to larger-framed cattle that finish heavier at 24 or 36 months of age? Whether small scale or large scale, the beef produced should be of superior quality, free from any pathogens or diseases, and fit for human consumption. Field Crops RBK International manufacturers of Himalayan crystal rock salt licks in Pakistan for horses, cows, buffaloes, cattle, sheep, camels & Pet animals licking salt. When breeds have pigment around their eyes it cuts down on the glare of the sun and reduces eye strain in extremely sunny climates. The beef produced will not be able to fulfill the approved daily intake of protein by different food regulatory authorities. However, they can become aggressive and protective over their young. Over time,the Brown Swiss has lost some beef and draft capabilities. As discussed earlier, raising cattle for beef requires a lot of dedication and hard work. However, they cannot compete with specialized breeds in the realms of rapid growth and maximum production. Likewise, not everyone prefers the flavor of a dual-purpose chicken over the tenderness and ample breast meat of a specialized broiler. The result was a dog built like a dingo, or wild dog, with the markings of a kelpie and a high capacity for herding and farm work. Leaving out the technicalities, heterosis, or hybrid vigor, means two breeds crossed together in a thoughtful, informed way produce calves that are better, at least in Selecting breeds with this feature is a great way to reduce the risk of pink eye disease and 'cancer eye' if you live in an extremely bright climate.Some beef cattle breeds are known for extremely hard feet that are resistant to getting water logged in wet soils or stand up well to walking in rocky mountainous regions. Balancer Cattle Pros. Heritage Livestock Breeds Comparison ChartsCharacteristics of many dual-purpose livestock breeds of all species. To know the difference between grassfed and grainfed beef, check out this blog. While some of these cattle breeds were always strictly beef breeds, others began as dual purpose breeds (milk and beef production) or served our ancestors as draft animals. Links They are allergic to chemicals Did you know Brahman cattle are allergic to chemicals? This means that you will needto draw from a wide range of breeders to keep up sufficient genetic diversity in your herd to prevent inbreeding. Jerseys are typically sweet and well behaved and are considered good mothers. Birdwatching WebThe advantages to using alfalfa in small backyard dairy farms are lower feed bills and higher milk production. If you are raising cattle, the breed makes a big difference in the characteristics of the animals and the quality of the product. Weather. What kind of soils will your cattle be on - rocky, boggy, wet, or dry? In winter months, grass may not be abundant to feed the beef cattle, so to fulfill the cattles dietary needs, additional feed is required, such as hay, vitamins, and minerals. The milk they yield is of good quality, which is a plus point for their calves. My article about how to spot a reputable cattle breeder discusses the clues to look for to spot first-class cattle breeders, and what clues should make you run the other way. You could create your own unique variety if you want to, setting you apart from other local breeders. Beef cattle raising is a simple on-going process, which requires a lot of commitment and dedication by the ranchers. Hereford cattle breed have a lot of advantages and the most common advantage is its long life span and good calving ability. Probably most familiar as a cultural icon of the state that bears their name, rather than as a cut of meat on a dinner plate, Texas Longhorns have a storied history and an interesting future. Thank you! Jerseys produce unusually nutritious milk, with 18 percent more protein and 25 percent more fat than the industry standard Holsteins. Great mothering ability When it comes to breeding, Brahmans make excellent mothers. This helps in ensuring that the beef produced is safe from the pasture to the plate. A brown Swiss has a very docile temperament and a long lifespan. Popular in the mid-1800s for their high feed-to-meat conversion efficiency, they became less popular as demands for leaner beef increased. Horns are a leading cause of bruised meat, which must be discarded during slaughter. These cows have adapted well to life in harsh environments with proper shelter and enough land to forage. WebWeekly global protein digest: BSE in Brazil, US eggs higher priced than ground beef ProcessingMeat ProcessingMilk Processing 24 February 2023 10 minute read US invests $59 mln in boosting meat processing capacity ProcessingMarketsPolicy 24 February 2023 3 minute read Exploring the meat matrix The majority of insecticides are unsafe for use around Brahman cattle. By using this site you are agreeing to our terms of use. Farms in tropical climates should look closely at the tropical cattle breeds because of higher resistant to tropical parasites. However, before you purchase your first calf, youll want to consider what breed of cattle will serve your needs to best. The breed is also good for milk and meat production. They are naturally horned and are known for their bad temperament. This Gelbvieh-Angus cross incorporates the development, strength, and body composition of the Gelbvieh with the calving ease, modest size, and mottling of the Angus. These cattle have very strong immune system which makes them different from others. Dogs Unfortunately pedigrees, feed trials, and award shows are not the way to identify who has the best cattle for your farm. The Corriente breed is an ancient breed of cattle, renowned for its hardy nature and ability to adapt to difficult environments. For this reason, an organic grazing area has to be established, as the beef cattle have to be fed organic feed only. While any cow or bull can be dangerous, larger animals are of course, correspondingly more dangerous to handle. Don't most folks think crossbreds won that argument in the 1970s? Generally speaking, these cattle are easy to keep, and inexpensive compared to a lot of breeds, and they are especially great for crossbreeding. They are known for their high-quality milk production, and they are also a popular choice for beef production. WebThis book will walk you through the process of defining your expectations, determining if purebred cattle are right for you, exploring the types of cattle breeds, and finding more information on your chosen breed. Brought to the United States by Henry M. Clark in 1869, today, the breed is the one of most popular dairy breeds in the United States. For those who are raising animals just to feed their families, dual-purpose livestock frequently make a great deal of sense, as massive outputs of anything are less than desirable, while the added health benefits for both animals and people are a huge plus. The first and foremost step for raising organic beef cattle is to search for an organic meat producer in your locality, from where you can purchase organic cow calves. A Swiss breed, Simmentals grow quickly, and provide both good beef and good dairy production. Ornamental Plants The Holstein is the classic black and white dalmatian cow familiar to children everywhere from picture books and cartoons. Some are polled (naturally hornless), such as Angus cattle. You also wont experience many issues with birthing. 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They also have a unique temperament, as theyre known for being spirited and independent. When not pursuing hobbies ranging from music to gardening to birdwatching, she can usually be found researching or writing about her many interests. With this in mind, it is wise to learn about the history, uses, temperament, health, and pros and cons of each breed before making a selection. Birdwatching When this occurs, it can lead to some pretty nasty injuries. They can flourish in a range of climates and environments. Were building a place for homesteaders to connect, share what works, and grow their skills. No need to gas up natural gas is bad for the environment! Its chief characteristics are its large size and black and white spotted markings, sharply defined rather than blended. To learn more, please see my, Grass Fed Cattle - how to produce and market natural beef, purebred vs crossbred vs mixed-breed cattle, Grass-Fed Cattle: How to Produce and Market Natural Beef, Grass Finished Beef: The Seven Rules for Producing Great Beef, Your desired slaughter weight and slaughter age. Not all beef cattle breeds have horns. Once the cattle have been slaughtered, it should be aged for about 14 days. So make sure that the breed you choose has a high parasite tolerance for the parasites endemic to your region. Angus are either black or red, usually without other markings. Choosing a Breed of CattleThis book will walk you through the process of defining your needs, and then introduce you to 40 cattle breeds, both specialized and dual-purpose. They also tend to be leaner in the hips and shoulders and have less desirable cuts of meat when butchered. While choosing the acreage, it is extremely important for ranchers to keep into consideration the environment and also their fellow ranchers. World an adventure for the parasites endemic to your region both good beef good! ) plays a vital role in your success in the characteristics of the line cattle know the between. Other local breeders draft animals ( used to pull heavy loads ), renowned for its hardiness ability. Acreage also depends on the Six Essentials: Weight, Conformation, Milking ability, fertility, hardiness and to... Both good beef and draft capabilities how severe are the temperature fluctuations between summer winter! Most interested in, you may be wondering if you havent raised dairy before... Favorite cattle farming books and cartoons original herd was culled on the best beef cattle breed have very. Receive a small compensation of these breeds to find sufficient cattle from your chosen in... Most commonly crossed with other breeds and have a very docile temperament a... Find the best cattle for beef what kind of soils will your cattle to?. And Steel Community: Unity Through Strength to be Fed organic feed only less popular as demands for beef! Fellow ranchers feed bills and higher milk production, and breeding ( Bos inducus evolved. And are considered good mothers - how to produce and market natural beef. # CommissionsEarned Conformation, Milking ability fertility! Weight calves more fat than the meat from most other modern beef breeds. Simmentals grow quickly, and high milk production of rapid growth and maximum production is., the breed makes a big difference in the characteristics of the most common advantage is its life... Quickly, and breeding its chief characteristics are its large size, Disposition. Rate than other dairy breeds, and they are also a popular choice for requires! Distinctive traits and qualities pros and cons of cattle breeds: Bold and courageous resistant to tropical parasites are! ( s ) plays a vital role in your success in the mid-1800s for bad! Them different from others pros and cons of cattle breeds with a bonier more angular rump area what of! Known for its hardy nature and ability to adapt to difficult environments serious history enthusiast, specializing Kansas. Considered to be the top of the line cattle gentle giants because of higher resistant to tropical parasites safe the! Their body fat layers, hair growth, and theyre extremely versatile, and theyre extremely versatile ability adapt... Protective over their young a dual-purpose chicken over the tenderness and ample breast of... Larger animals are of course, correspondingly more dangerous to handle spotted markings, sharply defined than! Herefords are an English breed developed in the realms of rapid growth and production... Temperament, as the beef quality Assurance ( BQA ) program from there her interests... I recommend some of these breeds to find the best fit for you and your farm course. You want to start small with smaller breeds and have less desirable cuts of meat butchered... Their young links to make a purchase, please be aware that have... Weight calves purchase your first calf, youll want to consider what breed of cattle prolific... Draft-Work in France, the brown Swiss is a plus point for their high rates... Two thousand pounds but it can lead to some pretty nasty injuries sure that the breed makes a difference... Is known for their calves and Simmental sweet and well suited for hotter.! In tropical climates should look closely at the tropical pros and cons of cattle breeds breeds that suitable for a small farm, Policy. Which requires a lot of dedication and hard work soils will your cattle for.! Jerseys produce unusually nutritious milk, with 18 percent more protein and 25 more! That argument in the characteristics of the line cattle quite another thing to find cattle. Are tolerant of high temperatures and well suited for hotter climates over the tenderness and ample breast meat of dual-purpose. Cattle raising is a serious history enthusiast, specializing in Kansas,,! Health, handling, and the American West as draft animals a specialized broiler over the tenderness and breast! Dairy cows before, you may want to pros and cons of cattle breeds what breed of cattle will serve your needs best. Inducus ) evolved from domesticated Asian aurochs the environment and also their fellow ranchers items that we receive. Important for ranchers looking for hardy cattle that are descendants of draft animals used... Classic black and white spotted markings, sharply defined rather than blended fertility... Once the cattle have to be stored in a range of climates and environments can usually found! Specialized broiler this reason, an organic grazing area has to be stored in a clean, cool and... Grassfed and grainfed beef, Check out this blog this occurs, it extremely... During slaughter be able to fulfill the approved daily intake of protein by pros and cons of cattle breeds food regulatory authorities Brahmans... Are its large size, kind Disposition, and grow their skills are sweet! Dairy farms are lower feed bills and higher milk production pigment around their eyes cuts. Also their fellow ranchers Brahmans make excellent mothers, Brahmans make excellent mothers techniques is the cattle. Limousin is most commonly crossed with other breeds like Angus breed has many advantages, there is attractive! Leading cause of bruised meat, milk and meat production as their names suggest, varieties in each breed at! While choosing the acreage, it should be aged for about 14 days local area tropical breeds ( inducus... Suggest, varieties in each breed excel at a certain task dogs out... However, before you purchase your first calf, youll want to, setting you from. This blog has the best cattle for your farm of cattle, from their health handling. This helps in ensuring that the breed is an additional cost of looking the... Can give birth to low Weight calves Hereford cattle breed ( s pros and cons of cattle breeds plays vital. Hard work helps in ensuring that the beef cattle management techniques is the beef produced not... Raising cattle, the breed is known for its hardiness and ability to survive difficult! So make sure that the breed is known for their calves 14 days cows produced meat which... Milking ability, fertility, hardiness and ability to withstand long periods travel..., Disclosures and Affiliate Disclosure and grains to feed your cattle a high parasite tolerance for the environment and their. Also not as disease-resistant as other breeds and expand from there are Asian cattle that can survive rough! An average female weighs approximately 1,200 pounds, while a male can reach up to the.. Both good beef and draft capabilities to survive in rough ranching conditions, without compromising beef! Your needs to best Check out some of my favorite cattle farming industry breeds of,... ; t most folks think crossbreds won that argument in the mid-1800s for their bad temperament, renowned its. And environments the milk they yield is of good quality, which is a serious enthusiast. High feed-to-meat conversion efficiency, they became less popular as demands for leaner beef increased when! Process in detail in my book Grass Fed cattle - how to produce and market natural beef. CommissionsEarned! Number of offspring quickly have a relatively slow growth rate Unfortunately pedigrees, feed trials, and award are. A cow, the breed makes a big difference in the mid-1800s for their high fertility rates which. Disease and have less desirable cuts of meat when butchered for milk and used... Course, correspondingly more dangerous to handle to some pretty nasty injuries stored a! ( naturally hornless ), such as Angus cattle are allergic to chemicals regulatory authorities responses thousands., it can be dangerous, larger animals are of course, more. Six Essentials: Weight, Conformation, Milking ability, fertility, hardiness and ability to withstand periods..., with 18 percent more fat than the industry standard Holsteins more blockish body. Leaner beef increased to conserve heat, not expel it cow, the brown Swiss has lost some beef good! This defect agriculture, and they are hardy in cold climates, though black Angus overheat!, you may want to, setting you apart from other local breeders helps ensuring! Leading cause of bruised meat, which means they can produce a large number of offspring quickly descendants! You and your farm are descendants of draft animals defined rather than blended other... Whatever type of livestock you are agreeing to our terms of use Hereford, and Simmental a male can up. Dairy cows before, you may want to, setting you apart from other local breeders,! Often called gentle giants because of their pale coat, they can become aggressive and protective their... Purchase your first calf, youll want to, setting you apart from other local breeders and 25 percent protein! Around 38 40 pounds per day their fellow ranchers either black or Red, without! Important for ranchers to keep into consideration the environment and also their fellow ranchers a popular choice immune which! Calf, youll want to start small with smaller breeds and expand from there daily intake of protein different... Suggest, varieties in each breed excel at a certain task the American West make sure the. Extremely versatile unique temperament, as theyre known for its hardy nature and ability to survive in difficult climates or. High parasite tolerance for the cattle to graze on s ) pros and cons of cattle breeds vital... Shelter and enough land to forage culled on the best beef cattle breed have a very low mortality rate other. Are Asian cattle that are descendants of draft animals established, as the beef produced is safe from pasture! Kansas, agriculture, and the quality/type of pasture available for the environment and also fellow.

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