The different breeds
The general characteristics of the main beef breeds:
The heavier breeds have a higher liveweight gain but also have more instances of dystocia (calving difficulty) and higher calf mortality when compared to smaller breeds.
Continental breeds have slightly longer gestation periods than native British breeds.
Aberdeen Angus
Aberdeen Angus
Developed in Scotland from cattle native to Aberdeenshire and Angus
Colour: Black or Red
Naturally polled
Popular beef breed in the United States
Dam (mother) weight: 600-900 kg
Sire (father) weight: 900-1100kg
Origin: Scotland, UK
Purpose: Terminal Sire
British Belgian Blues
British Belgian Blues
Large long body with double muscle in hind quarter
Colour: Varies from White and Black
High saleable meat yield
Increased dystocia an issue with the breed
Dam weight: 800kg
Sire weight: 1300kg
Origin: Belgium
Purpose: Terminal Sire
Charolais
Charolais
First continental breed of cattle to be introduced to Great Britain
Colour: Creamy White through to Wheat
Initial importation of bulls by dairy producers seeking a sire to improve their calves’ conformation.
High daily liveweight gain and improved conformation
Dam weight: 600-900 kg
Sire weight: 900-1100 kg
Origin: France
Purpose: Terminal sire and sire for most continental suckler cows.
Galloway
Galloway
Hardy suckler cow breed
Suitable for low input systems
Long lived cows
Dam weight: 400-600 kg
Sire weight: 800-950 kg
Origin: Scotland
Purpose: Native suckler cow breed found in non – favourable farm locations.
Hereford
Hereford
Easy temperament
Colour: White face and red coat
Main terminal sire breed prior to importation of continental breeds.
Dam weight: 700-800 kg
Sire weight: 1200-1500 kg
Origin: Hereford
Purpose: Terminal Sire
Limousin
Limousin
Produce lean beef in the medium weight range
Colour: Golden Red
Lighter birth weight than many continental breeds but higher weaning weights and muscularity
Extended gestation period
Dam weight: 650 kg
Sire weight: 1000 kg
Origin: France
Purpose: Terminal sire and a popular choice to sire the most of suckler herds.
Simmental
Simmental
Mothering ability
Colour: Gold Red/White colour
Early maturity
Longevity
High growth rates
Dam weight: 600-900 kg
Sire weight: 1100-1400 kg
Origin: Switzerland
Purpose: Terminal sire and a popular choice to sire the most of suckler herds.
Stabiliser
Stabiliser
Hybrid that retains high levels of hybrid vigour to increase fertility and calf vigour
Colour: Brown Red colour
Reproduces as a pure breed
Quiet temperament
Dam weight: 650 kg
Sire weight: 1200 kg
Origin: USA / Canada
Purpose: Suckler cow breed
Wagyu
Wagyu
Used to produce Kobe beef known for flavour, tenderness and marbled fatty texture.
Dam weight: 560 kg
Sire weight: 940 kg
Origin: Japan
Purpose: Specifically for meat production
Welsh Black
Welsh Black
Traditional cattle breed of Wales that are black in colour.
Colour: All Black
A hardy suckler cow found predominantly in the Less Favoured Areas and originates from hardy and dual -purpose stock
Strong maternal instincts and an ability to rear a calf on poor forage diets.
Dam weight: 650-850 kg
Sire weight: 1000-1200 kg
Origin: Wales
Purpose: Native suckler cow
They all have different purposes and suit different systems and farms.
To get more information on each breed, visit the various cattle society websites.