The most popular beef cattle breeds

Upon settling in different parts of the world, communities have diversified in livestock rearing.

Some farmers are into pure breeds, which means a group of domestic animals with homogeneous appearance, behavior, and other characteristics that distinguish it from other animals of the same species.

Examples include; Romagnola, Aberdeen Angus, Afrikaner, Chianina.

Pure breeds are registered with a board that preset guidelines to ensure that the animals (cattle, sheep, goats) produced by farmers or breeding facilities conform to the specifics of the breed. Failure to conform to these standards result in immediate expulsion from the registry.

Today’s edition focuses on beef cattle, mainly raised for meat/beef production.
The beef industry is deemed as one of the most lucrative ventures in the agriculture sector around the world.
Cattle can be reared on a free range or pen fed in feedlots. Depending on one’s choice, both rearing schemes yield great profit. However, several factors ought to be put into consideration to ensure success.

Sail through, as we discuss different beef cattle breeds.

What to consider as a beef producer?

• Vegetation
  In conjunction with rangeland scientists, a farmer ought to know palatable grass species in an area. Good vegetation and supplements such as mineral licks are recommended.
• Water
  A crucial component of a range is accessibility of clean water by your herd, which aids with digestion.
• Number of animals
  On a free range specific requirements per animal must be adhered to, so as to minimize overcrowding of animals in a small area, and eventually compete for limited resources. On the other hand, in a feedlot set up, specific numbers are kept in a pen with sufficient feed and a water point.
• Herd health
  Despite a herd reared on a free range or feedlot, their health ought to be kept in check, as well as routine vaccination programs.

Characteristics of Beef Meat

• A delicacy often served in different forms that is rich in protein, vitamin B12, iron and zinc.

Common beef cuts

• Brisket
• Chuck
• T. bone
• Sirloin

Popular beef cattle breeds

Aberdeen Angus

• Originates in Scotland
• They are naturally polled
• Usually black or red in colour, white may sometimes appear on the udder
• They reach maturity early
• High carcass yield with well-marbled meat
• Aberdeen Angus cows have excellent mothering ability
• Efficient feed convertors, making them easy to rear

Romagnola

• Originates in Italy
• Usually ivory to light grey in colour
• Renowned for surviving on scant vegetation
• They are heat and cold tolerant, hence easy to rear on different climatic conditions
• Highly masculine resulting in more profit per kilogram sold
• Good quality milk, hence weaning healthier calves

Chianina

• Originates in Italy
• Usually white with minor grey shading around the eyes
• Chianina oxen are used for draught power
• Well-defined muscling around the shoulders, back and hindquarters
• Hardy breed
• Very docile

Limousin

• Originates in France
• They are golden-red and slightly light in colour under the stomach, inside the thighs and around the eyes
• Produces beef with a low proportion of bone and fat
• Efficient feed convertor

References

Breeds - Beef
Cattle Breeds - Aberdeen Angus
Chianina Cattle: Characteristics, Uses & Breed Information

Discover the Suite of Apps for Livestock Management
The most complete set of tools to improve productivity