Breeds of Beef Cattle Reason for Large # of Cattle Breeds Feeding Grain vs. Forage Economic pressure to produce more weight in a shorter time. Merchandizing certain breeds Traits Selected For (Desirable) Weaning Weight Measure of mothering and milking ability Post-weaning Growth Weaning to close to slaughter Usually more rapid gain is achieved more efficiently Traits Selected For (Desirable) Feed Efficiency Carcass Quality Longevity hardy calving ease disposition Conformation English Breeds   Angus Scottish (English Breed) Small Frame Hardy in Cold Climates Used on Western Range A x H   Hereford English Breed Small Frame Hardy in Severe (cold) environments Good Grazers Tallow   Shorthorn English Ease of Calving Post-weaning Growth High % Choice   European Breeds   Charolais Large (meat, milk, draft) French (size and muscling) Used in Upgrading   Chianina Italy (old) Large (meat, draft) Terminal Sire   Limousin French (old) Strudy/Hardy Large (meat, draft) Excellent Carcass   Simmental Swiss Bred Very Large (meat and milk)   Crosses, Selections, and Others   Red Angus Santa Gertrudis US Developed Shorthorn 5/8 x Brahman 3/8 Ease of Calving Good Mothers (lots of milk) Good Weight Gain Pasture and Feedlot   Beefmaster Example of Crossbreeding 1/2 Brahman, 1/4 Hereford, 1/4 Shorthorn US Developed Selected for Utility disposition milk weight hardy conformation   Brangus 3/8 Brahman 5/8 Angus Resistant to Heat and Humidity   Brahman From India (Gir, Guzerat, Nellore) Excellent Performance in Hot and Humid Environments (why?) Intermediate Size Heat and Cold Tolerant Disease Resistant Excellent Mothers