Lets Talk Cattle Breeds

Richard Reynolds Jr.
January 28, 2024

Wikipedia boasts a staggering count of over a thousand different cattle breeds – a fact that can leave one’s head spinning. In this blog post, I’ve distilled this vast pool into my top fifteen cattle breeds, throwing in a few extras for good measure. But why should you care about my top fifteen list of cattle breeds? Firstly, I aim to offer a clearer understanding of the meat and milk produced by these specific breeds. Secondly, consider it a valuable tip: if you inquire with your butcher about the specific breed of cattle from which the meat they’re selling originates, and they are unable to provide an answer, it could be an indication to consider alternative options for your meat purchases. It’s crucial to note that not all cattle breeds are created equal; certain breeds may deliver more flavorful meat. So, join me as we explore the nuances of these fascinating breeds and uncover the secrets behind superior taste.

Fire In The Kettle's Top Fifteen Breeds of Cattle

Black Angus Breed

At the top of Fire In The Kettles’ list is the Black Angus breed, known for its immense popularity and exceptional meat quality. As of December 16, 2023, around 330,000 Black Angus cattle thrived in the United States, showcasing both the breed’s abundance and delectable meat. Renowned for its exquisite taste and higher intramuscular fat content, known as marbling, Black Angus meat stands out as some of the finest available.

Holstein-Friesian Breed

Claiming our second spot is the Holstein-Friesian breed, renowned for its imposing size, reaching weights up to 1,300 lbs. This breed is distinct with sharply defined black and white spotted markings, prevalent in Europe and celebrated as a premier dairy cow. Its concentration in regions with robust fluid milk markets highlights its significance in lean beef production.

Red Angus Breed

Our third choice is the Red Angus breed, once rare but now immensely popular in the United States and internationally. The number of Red Angus has tripled from the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s, indicating a significant surge in interest. Known for excellent meat quality with impressive intramuscular fat or marbling, Red Angus females also excel in milk production and display a strong maternal instinct. Despite its popularity, the Red Angus breed, as of October 2023, remains officially unrecognized by the American Angus Association, hindering breeders from registering their cattle with the association.

Hereford Breed

Claiming the fourth spot on our list is the Hereford breed, a British beef cattle originating from Herefordshire, England. By 2023, Hereford cattle had a global presence in 62 countries, with over seven million in population. Introduced to Kentucky in 1817, the modern American Hereford descended from a herd established in Albany, New York, in 1840. Like Angus, Herefords are commonly used in beef production, but their meat is leaner with a subtly distinct flavor profile compared to Angus.

Jersey Breed

Securing the fifth position in our top fifteen is the Jersey breed. What sets the Jersey breed apart is its intriguing weight range, typically hovering around 880 lbs. but capable of reaching weights as high as 1700 lbs. Noteworthy is the high-fat content in Jersey milk, contributing to its widespread popularity. Beyond their reputation for milk production, the meat from Jersey cattle is often regarded as a more budget-friendly alternative to Angus beef.

Charolais Breed

Securing the sixth spot on our list is the French breed of cattle known as Charolais. Celebrated for the quality of both its meat and milk, the Charolais breed stands out for its substantial size and robust frame. Introduced to the United States in the 1930s, Charolais cattle, as highlighted by Roy’s Farms, are primarily raised for their exceptional meat. Renowned for its remarkable muscling and leanness, the meat from Charolais cattle is notably low in fat while being high in protein.

Limousin breed

Continuing with our exploration of French-bred cattle, the Limousin breed secures the seventh position in our top fifteen picks. Known for its striking golden-red fur, Limousin is renowned for producing delicious meat with low bone and fat content, making it highly appealing to discerning consumers in Texas, South Dakota, and Oklahoma.

Shorthorn breed

Making its mark at number eight is the well-known Shorthorn breed of cattle. Arriving in the United States in 1783 under the name Durham cattle, Shorthorns quickly gained popularity among original American settlers. Renowned for its delightful flavor, extreme tenderness, and impressive marbling qualities, the meat from the Shorthorn breed is a testament to its historical significance and culinary appeal.

Simmental breed

Securing the ninth spot is the Simmental breed, also known as Swiss Fleckvieh. Originating from the Simme river valley in the Bernese Oberland, Switzerland, Simmentals are a dual-purpose breed valued globally for high beef yields. Characterized by heavy muscling, considerable length, and size, they produce solid red meat with minimal waste fat. Simmentals’ versatility and desirable meat qualities make them a notable choice for farmers and consumers alike.

Texas Longhorn Breed

Securing the tenth spot is the Texas Longhorn, arguably the most well-known beef cattle breed. Recognized for their distinctive horns, which can extend up to about five feet in length, Texas Longhorns are iconic in American history. Originating from cattle brought by Spanish conquistadores from the Iberian Peninsula to the Americas, Longhorn beef is known for its leanness, unique flavor, lower calories, and cholesterol compared to white meats like chicken and turkey, making it a distinct and healthier choice.

Gelbvieh Breed

Taking the eleventh spot on our list is the Gelbvieh, also known as the Yellow breed. Originating from Europe, this breed found its way to the United States in the early 1970s through artificial insemination. While Gelbvieh typically lacks horns, it’s essential to note that horn presence can vary within the breed. The exceptional meat from Gelbvieh cattle, with high cutout yields and some of the largest ribeye muscle areas, contributes to the overall quality of their meat.

Salers breed

Securing the twelfth position in our top fifteen cattle breed picks is the Salers breed. One of the oldest breeds globally, Salers cattle have a history dating back to prehistoric times, with cave paintings resembling this breed discovered. Traditionally, Salers cattle are horned and sport a dark Mahogany red color, though an increasing number are now polled and black. The meat from the Salers breed is known for its traditional marbling, contributing to a high-quality meat highly appreciated by butchers.

Highland breed

Claiming the thirteenth spot is the Highland breed, often referred to as the Scottish Highland breed. Recognizable for being brown hide cattle with flowing head and body hair and a massive set of upright-curved horns, Highland cattle are smaller than Angus. Their unique hair enables them to withstand blizzards effectively. Notably, Highland beef stands out for superior flavor, tenderness, and cooking qualities.

Belted Galloway breed

Securing the fourteenth position on our list is the Belted Galloway breed, easily identified by the distinctive white belt running across their black coats. What truly distinguishes the Belted Galloway from other breeds is its delectably marbled meat. Often nicknamed the Oreo or Panda cow, this breed’s meat is renowned for its exceptional flavor, making it a standout choice among cattle breeds.

Dexter breed

Finally, securing the fifteenth position is the Dexter breed, originating from South-Western Ireland and making its way to the United States in the 1900s. Notably, the Dexter breed is small, typically weighing around 1,000 lbs. Distinguished as a dual-purpose breed, it is raised for both milk and meat. The meat from Dexter cattle is naturally more tender than other beef, and it contains higher levels of Omega-3 fatty acids. These cattle are known for their hardiness, thriving on a diet of grass throughout the year, truly embodying the concept of free-range living.

A Few Extras In Our List of Cattle Breeds

Piedmontese Breed

One of Fire In The Kettles’ favorite breed of cattle, the Piedmontese, found its way to Northern America around 1979. Boasting a notably muscular frame and renowned for its hardiness, the Piedmontese breed stands out. The meat from this breed is exceptional, while the milk is highly sought after in Italy, where chefs use it as a primary ingredient in their cheeses. If you’re interested in experiencing the distinctive taste of Piedmontese meat, you can explore more at https://www.piedmontese.com.

Ayrshire breed

The Ayrshire breed, known for being the largest existing cattle breed, excels in both exceptional milk quality and delicious meat. Originating in Scotland, Ayrshires arrived in the United States around 1822, according to USA Cattle Genetics. Purposefully bred for superior milking and meat qualities, Ayrshires are distinguished by distinctive red and white markings. Renowned for their remarkable posture and almost sculptured bodies, they excel in cattle shows, showcasing their exceptional qualities.

Did You Know?

Did you know that breeders seeking Angus beef classification must adhere to specific standards set by the American Angus Association (AAA) rather than the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)? The classification is primarily based on the genetic lineage of the cattle, with breeders providing documentation and, if necessary, undergoing DNA testing to verify Angus genetics. Unlike a requirement based on hide color, the classification process involves comprehensive evaluation of the cattle’s pedigree and genetic background according to AAA standards.

Did you know that Ayrshire cows have set world records for milk production? Some Ayrshire cows achieved remarkable feats, delivering as much as 37,170 lbs. of milk and 1,592 lbs. of fat in twice-daily milking cycles across a 305-day lactation period. Moreover, there are documented instances of certain Ayrshire cows producing an astonishing 41,000 lbs. of milk and 1,800 lbs. of fat within a lactation period of 365 days.

Did you know that in the United States, the Holstein-Friesian breed dominates all other dairy breeds, contributing to nine-tenths of the milk supply? The initial exportation of the Holstein-Friesian breed from Holland to the United States occurred in 1795, with the largest importations taking place between 1879 and 1887.

Did you know that the preference for Black Angus led cattlemen who valued the qualities of Red Angus to start selecting the best red calves from Black Angus herds? In 1954, a new herd book and association dedicated specifically to Red Angus were established.

Did you know that the horns on a Texas Longhorn can span more than eight feet from tip to tip? The population of Texas Longhorn stock started declining, reaching a critical point around 1927. Fortunately, enthusiasts from the United States Forest Service stepped in to save the breed from near extinction. Notably, in 1917, the University of Texas at Austin adopted a Texas Longhorn named ‘Bevo’ as the school’s mascot.

Did you know that as of September 2022, only about 10 percent of Salers herds in France are still dedicated to milk production, while the majority are now exclusively reserved for beef production?

Did you know that the Dexter breed of cattle seems to be named after a man named Dexter, who served as the factor of the estates of Lord Hawarden on Valentia Island?

Gotta A Little Help From My Friends

AgronoMag: https://agronomag.com/

The spruce Eats: https://www.thespruceeats.com/

The Cattle Site: https://www.thecattlesite.com/

Domestic Animal Breeds: https://domesticanimalbreeds.com/

Britannica: https://www.britannica.com/

The Reluctant Gourmet: https://www.reluctantgourmet.com/

The Beef Site: https://www.thebeefsite.com/

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/

The Content Authority: https://thecontentauthority.com/

In Conclusion

I wrote this post with the intention of increasing awareness among consumers about the diverse alternatives available when purchasing meat products. These options, stemming from various cattle breeds, can be conveniently sourced online, with many farms offering doorstep delivery. I trust that you found this blog post enjoyable and informative, reflecting the passion I have for the subject. While comments are not accepted directly, feel free to email me at fireinthekettle@gmail.com with any thoughts or feedback you may have. Thank you for your time and interest in exploring the world of cattle breeds and meat choices.