Selected breeds of beef cattle

name distribution characteristics comments

Angus, or Aberdeen-Angus originally Scotland, now also U.S., U.K. hornless, black, compact, low-set adapts well to varied climates

Beefmaster developed 1908, Texas red, usually with white spots breed trademarked "Lasater Beefmaster"

Belgian Blue originally Belgium, now also U.S. large with prominent muscles; straight back hardy

Belted Galloway originally Galloway, southwest Scotland usually black; distinctive white belt encircling body between shoulders and hooks hardy; thrives in rigorous climate

Brahman, or zebu originally India, now widespread gray with large shoulder hump extensively crossbred

Brangus developed in U.S., 1930s large, black, hornless, straight back 3/8 Brahman, 5/8 Angus

Charolais originally France, now also Mexico, U.S. unusually large and white much used for crossbreeding

Chianina originally Italy, now also North America white; heavily muscled, long legs largest breed of cattle

Hereford, or white-face originally England, now also U.K., North and South America, Australia, N.Z. red and white; low-set and compact popular beef breed

Limousin originally France, now also North America red-gold; long bodied; horned uses feed efficiently

Normande originally France, now also South America medium-sized; small head, coloured patches around eyes dual-purpose breed

Polled Hereford (Hereford) originally U.S., now widespread muscular, hornless mutation of the Hereford

Santa Gertrudis originally U.S., now also Cuba, South America, Australia deep red colour; horned 3/8 Brahman, 5/8 Shorthorn

Shorthorn, or Durham originally England, now also in almost every cattle-raising area horned or hornless; red or roan calves mature rapidly for market

Simmental originally Switzerland, now widespread red and white; large-sized; horned extensively crossbred