Top 5 Beef Cattle Breeds (2024)

FAQs

Top 5 Beef Cattle Breeds? ›

What are five common breeds of beef cattle? There are more than 250 breeds of beef cattle all over the world but most popular among these are Angus, Brahman, Beef Master, Piedmontese, Herefordshire, Gelbvieh, and Limousin.

If you would like a few cattle to control pastures and to provide meat for your family, a small herd of steers of an easily maintained beef–producing breed such as poll Hereford or Angus would best suit. If you are interested in running a niche small-breed, the Dexter or Belted Galloway may be ideal.

Having talked with many farmers, some with over 50 years in the industry who have worked with dozens of breed, there is near unanimous consensus that the Red Devon is the most docile breed of cattle in existence. Their relaxed demeanor creates a safe environment for the farmer and visitor alike.

Both breeds are moderate in size and are reasonably fertile. The Angus breed is recognized for its maternal ability and marbling while many producers like Hereford cattle because of their adaptability to harsh conditions.

Belted Galloways are smaller in size so their hanging weight will be less than Angus Cattle. They have a high dress-out ratio – due to their short legs and long coat – and at processing, they often yield over 60% usable meat from the hanging weight.

What breed of cattle is most profitable? Angus: This is the most popular breed of beef cattle. Their meat quality is excellent and they provide 50 percent of their weight in the meat. Highland Cattle: Though they are not as popular as they once were, they are still in demand by people who know love their meat.

No. 1. Feeder cattle which possess minimum qualifications for this grade usually display predominate beef breeding. They must be thrifty and moderately thick throughout.

The “Big Four”—Tyson, JBS, Cargill, and National Beef—purchase and process 85 percent of beef in the United States. Think of these mega-companies as occupying the slim center of an hourglass. They control how the meat moves from the top of the hourglass, from ranchers, to the bottom of the hourglass, to consumers.

The Dexter originated in the South Western region of Ireland where they were originally kept by small landholders and known as the "poorman's cow". Like the Kerry, they are descended from the predominately black cattle of the early Celts.

What is the best low maintenance cow? ›

Hereford Cattle

Good Temperament: Known for their docile nature, Herefords are easy to handle and manage. Hardiness: They thrive in various climatic conditions, from hot to cold environments.

Beef calves should be weaned between 7 and 9 months of age, weighing between 500 and 700 pounds on average. Feed calves post weaning until they reach a finished weight target of between 1,100 and 1,300 pounds. This weight gain is most easily achieved utilizing available energy-dense grain-based feedstuffs.

A subspecies of auroch, Bos taurus Ibericus, is thought to be the ancestor of the all the dark colored breeds found on the Iberian peninsula including the Fighting bull or Fighting cattle. The breed is selected primarily for aggressiveness, strength and vigor.

Angus Cattle

Angus beef has become all the rage in recent years thanks to its well-marbled meat, which typically earns Prime or Choice grades from the USDA and is usually the highest-quality meat available in grocery stores.

The Hereford cow is a friendly and easy going breed among other breeds of cattle. They are known for their beef. The basics: Hereford cows have white faces and an easy-going disposition which makes them easy to care for and almost like pets.

Prime. Prime grade beef is the highest quality you can get. It features beautiful red meat laced with thin striations of white fat. This meat is well suited for a multitude of cooking conditions.

In addition to the Angus beef qualification, the meat is also distinguished by grade. Certified Angus Beef (which is graded by the USDA) must be in the top two grades, and will either be listed as Prime or Choice. 1 Choice grade Certified Angus Beef is generally of better quality than an average cut of choice beef.

Studies identified that heifer beef has super characteristics in eating quality and a better healthy composition in fatty acids than steer, cow and bull. Diet influences the variation of fatty acid profile; particularly the level of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) interacts with breed and sex.

Angus. Angus is one of the most recognized cattle breeds, characterized by their black hides. They are popular with farmers and ranchers because they are good mothers and are very good at converting their feed into high-quality meat.