7 Most Popular Breeds of Cattle in the United States
There are more than 1,000 breeds of cattle recognized in the world, and around 80 of them are commonly found in the United States. But which ones are the most popular? And what makes them a favorite choice among ranchers? Keep reading to learn more about seven of the most popular breeds of cattle found in the United States today.
1. Black Angus
Let’s start with the most popular U.S. cattle breed. Black Angus, as you might imagine, are black cows with large, muscular bodies and a lot of body mass. This breed originated in Scotland, but a man named George Grant brought them to Kansas in 1874. They’ve only grown in popularity since. Black Angus cattle are excellent mothers, efficiently convert their feed into high-quality cuts of meat, and are a top choice among steakhouses and supermarkets across the country.
See more: 6 Cattle Breeds You May Not Be Familiar With
2. Charolais
Cream in color with pink muzzles, the Charolais is an older French breed rumored to have developed as early as 878 AD. Records show that these cows were originally used for the trifecta: draft, milk and meat. Nowadays they are one of the finest meat breeds, with medium to large framed bodies and muscular haunches and loins. Fans of the breed cite their outstanding meat conformation, later maturity, high finished weight and suitability to crossbreeding.
See more: 5 Goat Breeds You May Not Be Familiar With
3. Hereford
Some argue that the humble Hereford is the breed that “built the West.” First introduced in Kentucky back in the early 1800s, these red and white cows are now most popular in places like Montana, Wyoming and North Dakota. Herefords are a popular choice for their docile personalities, ability to thrive in tough environments, and the wonderful flavor profile of their meat. They’ve also developed a reputation for longevity, with many living (and continuing to produce calves) for upward of 15 years.
See more: Top 9 Turkey Breeds Found on Farms Across the United States
4. Simmental
You may be able to identify some cattle breeds by their color, but you can find Simmental cattle with red or black coats. First introduced in the United States in the late 19th century, these cattle quickly earned the affection of ranchers due to their docile nature and phenomenal mothering. They also have large frames, sturdy muscling and good conformation and are known for their high adaptability (they can happily survive on small, rural farms or extensive cattle ranch operations). Simmental cattle are found all around the world, thanks to their good growth and high beef yields. Farmers even occasionally use them for dairy production.
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5. Texas Longhorn
Most of us can identify this breed by its distinguishable, widespread horns, which can reach spans of 8 to 10 feet. But did you know that we can trace their history as far back as Christopher Columbus and the domestication of the auroch (a wild Eurasian ox)? Oddly enough, Longhorns also ended up feral in Texas until after the Civil War. While many ranchers continue to raise them because of their importance to Western history, they’re also a wonderful beef breed because of their ability to thrive on marginal pasture, resilience to disease, longevity (some have lived as long as 30 years) and their characteristically lean meat.
See more: The Legendary Texas Longhorn
6. Holstein
Holsteins are the most popular dairy cow in the United States, and for good reason. There are millions of them on dairy farms throughout the country, and the average one can produce approximately 23,000 pounds of milk during their standard lactation cycle (around 300 days). That’s almost 2,700 gallons of milk. You can pretty easily identify this breed by their characteristic black and white markings as well as their large build.
See more: Healthy Cows, Healthy Farms
7. Highland
Highly distinguishable thanks to their long horns and long, shaggy coats, the Highland is the oldest registered breed of cattle in the entire world. They’re originally from the Scottish Highlands, hence the name, which means they are quite a hardy and reputable breed for ranchers or small holders who live in cold climates. Highlands have also grown in popularity because of their docile temperaments. They aren’t prone to fighting, are easy to keep and rarely show signs of aggression, making them a wonderful addition to small family farms and large operations alike.