Gelbvieh ( GELV-vee )
Physical Traits : Typically reddish-gold , though some are black ; medium to large size with a muscular build .
Country of Origin : Germany Imported to the U . S .: Early 1970s
Approximate Current Numbers in the U . S .: About 35,000 registered each year
Purpose / Traits : Known for fast growth , lean meat , and good milk production , Gelbvieh cattle are often used in crossbreeding programs .
Hereford ( HER-furd )
Physical Traits : Red body with a white face , legs , and belly ; sturdy and medium-sized .
Country of Origin : England Imported to the U . S .: 1817
Approximate Current Numbers in the U . S .: Over 75,000 registered each year
Purpose / Traits : Known for their toughness and adaptability , Herefords thrive in various climates and produce high-quality beef .
Limousin ( LIM-uh-zin )
Physical Traits : Golden-red to black coat , long body with a lean , muscular build .
Country of Origin : France Imported to the U . S .: 1969
Approximate Current Numbers in the U . S .: About 45,000 registered each year
Purpose / Traits : Known for lean beef with little waste , Limousins grow quickly and are valued for their meat quality .
Red Angus ( RED ANG-gus )
Physical Traits : Solid red color , medium to large size with a muscular body .
Country of Origin : Scotland
Imported to the U . S .: 1800s ( with Black Angus )
Approximate Current Numbers in the U . S .: About 200,000
Purpose / Traits : Known for tender , marbled beef , Red Angus cattle are hardy and thrive in various environments .
Shorthorn ( SHORT-horn )
Physical Traits : Red , white , or roan ( red and white mixed ); medium-sized and stocky .
Country of Origin : England Imported to the U . S .: 1783
Approximate Current Numbers in the U . S .: Over 15,000 registered each year
Purpose / Traits : Shorthorns are versatile , used for both beef and milk , and known for their gentle temperament .
Simmental ( SIM-en-tahl )
Physical Traits : Often red and white or spotted ; large and muscular .
Country of Origin : Switzerland Imported to the U . S .: Late 1960s
Approximate Current Numbers in the U . S .: Over 90,000 registered each year
Purpose / Traits : Valued for their fast growth and good milk production , Simmentals are raised for both meat and milk in some areas .
Test Your Knowledge
Using the provided beef breed descriptions , answer these questions .
1 . Which breed is the oldest in the U . S .?
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2 . Which breed has the fewest numbers registered in the U . S . each year ?
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3 . Which two breeds originally came from Scotland ?
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4 . What is the unique feature of the Brahman breed that helps them stay cool ?
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5 . How many breeds were imported to the U . S . during the 1900s ?
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6 . How many breeds originated from European counties ?
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Phonetic pronunciations help you sound out words by breaking them into easy parts to say . For example , " Angus " is shown as ( ANG-gus ), so you say the first part like " ANG " ( like in “ angel ”) and the second part like " gus " ( like in “ August ”). Try saying each part slowly , then put them together to say the whole name !
Extra credit : On a separate piece of paper , write a short essay about what breed of beef cattle you would want to be and why ?
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