Breeds of Cattle - A

In the vast expanses of Eastern Africa, particularly in the borderlands between Ethiopia and Sudan, roams a breed of cattle steeped in tradition and utility – the Abigar cattle. Belonging to the esteemed Sanga cattle breed, these majestic creatures are revered for their dual-purpose nature, serving as prized assets in both dairy and beef production.

Bearing witness to centuries of agricultural heritage, Abigar cattle are deeply ingrain ...

Abondance Cattle is a mixed race breed which originated in the high valleys of Haute-Savoie, France.

They are medium-sized; the females weigh between 580 and 680 kilograms (kg) and stand 1.30 meters tall the bulls weigh between 645 and 820 kilograms (kg). The females are golden brown with a white head, underside of the abdomen, and extremities of its legs; they stand about 1.70 meters tall. The bull’s color is different, with a c ...

Abyssinian Shorthorned Zebu cattle are a sub-breed of Zebu Cattle. See Zebu cattle to learn more.

Aceh cattle, also referred to as Acehnese cattle, hail from the Aceh province in northern Sumatra, Indonesia. These bovines stand tall as one of the predominant domestic cattle breeds within Indonesia's rich livestock heritage.

These medium-sized creatures boast a robust physique and a compact build, making them well-suited for various agricultural tasks. Their coat colors range from light brown to dark brown, often adorned with distin ...

Achham cattle are a unique type of zebu cattle found in the Achham region of Nepal. They are small; the cows average 88 cm in height at the withers with an average weight of 110 kg. Bulls average 97 cm at the withers and weigh on average 150 kg.

Acham cattle are suitable for hill conditions and are used mainly for milk production. They vary from black to white, i.e. black, brown, grey, white, spotted black and white. They are reared by ...

Hailing from Nigeria's northeastern Adamawa region, Adamawa cattle embody versatility. These medium-sized animals, with their well-proportioned build and typically white coat (reminiscent of White Fulani or Bunaji breeds), play a key role in local agriculture. Their medium-sized, crescent-shaped horns and distinctive pendulous hump set them apart.

Valued for both meat and milk production, Adamawa cattle thrive in the region's hot and d ...

Adaptaur (also known as Belmont Adaptaur or just Adaptaur) cattle were developed in Australia in the 1950’s from crosses between Hereford and Shorthorn cattle. They were selected mainly for increased resistance to the stresses of the tropics, particularly heat, and cattle ticks. Adaptaur bulls are early maturing and medium size. They are relatively easy to care: sleek coat, well pigmented eyes and good resistance to heat ...

Africangus cattle, also known as South African Angus or Afrigus, are a distinct breed resulting from the crossbreeding of Angus cattle with indigenous African breeds. Originating from South Africa, these cattle combine the renowned traits of Angus cattle with the adaptability and resilience of local African breeds.

Africangus cattle typically exhibit a medium to large frame, with a sturdy build and well-muscled physique. They possess a ...

Afrikaner cattle, developed from the native Hottentot cattle of the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, boast a rich history rooted in the region's agricultural heritage. These medium-sized cattle are characterized by loose skin and large drooping ears, distinguishing them from other breeds. Bulls of the Afrikaner breed typically exhibit the distinctive Zebu hump, contributing to their robust appearance. In terms of appearance, Afrikaner cattle ...

Agerolese cattle come from the province of Naples; today only few hundreds head of cattle are bred in the Agerola, Pagani, Gragnano areas. It is the result of crossbreeding of Holstein, Brown and Jersey with local stock.

The breed is at risk of extinction, has suffered a considerable reduction throughout the years because of the frequent replacement crossbreeding with the Italian Holstein.

Since 1985 the Registry Office of ...

Nestled within the rugged splendor of the Alatau mountain region in Kazakhstan, roams a breed of cattle as majestic as the peaks that cradle them – the Ala Tau, also affectionately known as Alatau cattle. Revered for their dual-purpose nature, these magnificent creatures stand as prized assets in the agricultural landscape of the region, serving as invaluable contributors to both beef and dairy production.

With a heritage steeped in th ...

In the heart of the hilly regions of modern-day Tamil Nadu, India, thrives a breed of cattle as rare and resilient as the landscapes they call home – the Alambadi. Born from the storied past of Alambadi Village, these majestic creatures have carved out a niche for themselves in the annals of Indian agriculture, revered for their adaptability and versatility.

Once primarily kept as drought animals, tasked with enduring the harsh realiti ...

Albanian Cattle are yellow to red-black dual-purpose cattle from Albania, of course. They are generally used as a draught animal and for milk production. They are similar to the brachyceros-type cattle breeds in Yugoslavia and Greece.

Albera are an endangered breed of small cattle indigenous to the Albera Massif, which divides Catalonia from France and lies partly in the comarca of Alt Empordà in the Catalan province of Girona, and partly in the comarca of Vallespir in the French département of Pyrénées-Orientales.

Although the presence of a cattle breed in the Albera Massif was noted in the nineteenth century, the first description of the Albera dates from 1957. At ...

Alderney cattle were a breed of dairy cattle from the British Channel Island of Alderney; however, they are no longer found on the island. Pure Alderney cattle are now extinct, though hybrids still exist. Alderney cattle were one of three Channel Island cattle breeds, the others being the Jersey and the Guernsey.

Pure-breed Alderney cattle were smaller, more slender boned animals than the cattle of the other Channel Islands and in some ...

Alentejana cattle are energetic and gentle bovines from the Alentejo region of Portugal. They are raised for meat production and as draft animals. They are similar to the Retinta cattle breed found in Spain. Alentejana cattle are golden red with long horns.

Both the Mertolenga and Southern Crioulo cattle breeds from Brazil originated from the Alentejana cattle breed.

Alentejana cattle have the protected geographical status of D ...

In the remote and untamed reaches of the Alaskan Aleutian islands, roams a breed of feral wild cattle as rugged and resilient as the landscapes they inhabit – the Aleutian wild cattle. Born from the rugged wilderness of the Aleutian archipelago, these majestic creatures embody the essence of untamed freedom, their very existence a testament to the raw power of nature.

For centuries, these elusive cattle have wandered the windswept shor ...

Aliab Dinka cattle, also known as Nilotic Sanga, represent a distinct variation of the Sanga cattle breed, specifically raised by the Aliab Dinka people of South Sudan. The Aliab Dinka people are a subgroup of the Dinka community and historically inhabited an area west of the upper White Nile River.

Characterized by their large bodies, long horns, and small cervico-thoracic humps, Aliab Dinka cattle typically exhibit coats in shades of ...

Alistana-Sanabresa cattle are a crossbreed of Alistana and Sanabresa cattle. They produce high yields of good quality meat even on poor pasture. They are housed and given fodder only under extreme environmental conditions.

Adult females are 131-142 cm high, weight 500-535 kg., and have a chestnut coat that darkens towards their front. Adult males are 145-155 cm high, weight 650-900 kg., and have a chestnut coat with the same pattern as ...

Allmogekor is a generic term for old native breeds of cattle from Sweden.

Alur Cattle (also known as Nioka or Blukwa) cattle are a crossing of Ankole cattle with Lugware and Nkedi cattle (both Small East African Zebu breeds).

The American Beef Friesian is a breed of cattle that is a cross between the Holstein and Angus breeds. They are known for their high milk production and good meat quality. They have a black and white color pattern, with the black color coming from the Angus genetics. They are also known for their hardiness and adaptability to a variety of environments. They are typically raised for both milk and meat production.

Hailing from the picturesque pastures of Switzerland, the American Brown Swiss stands as a paragon of dairy excellence, revered for its unrivaled milk production and esteemed status as one of the most efficient milk producers among dairy breeds. With a legacy steeped in centuries of Swiss husbandry, these magnificent creatures have garnered international acclaim for their exceptional qualities and versatile utility.

Robust and commandi ...

The American White Park is a rare breed of cattle that originated in Great Britain. They are known for their distinctive white color and long horns. They are large animals, with a docile temperament and are known for their hardiness and ability to adapt to different climates. They are typically raised for their meat, and are known to have good marbling, which gives their meat a good flavor and texture. They are also raised for their leather and b ...

Amerifax is a breed of cattle that is a cross between the American Hereford and the American Charolais breeds. They are known for their high growth rate and good meat quality. They have a distinctive red and white color pattern, with the red color coming from the Hereford genetics and the white color coming from the Charolais genetics. They are also known for their hardiness and adaptability to a variety of environments. They are typically raised ...

The Amiata cattle breed, originating from the rugged Amiata region of Italy, is renowned for its resilience, adaptability, and multifaceted utility. These medium-sized animals are prized for their hardiness and exceptional disease resistance, traits that have enabled them to thrive in the challenging terrain of mountainous regions.

Sporting a distinctive dark brown coat and short horns, Amiata cattle are not only visually striking but ...

The Amrit Mahal is a breed of cattle that originated in the KarnATAKA state of India. They are known for their hardiness and resistance to disease, as well as their ability to thrive in arid and semi-arid regions. They are medium to large animals, with a distinctive black color and long horns. They are known for their high milk production and good milk quality, with high butterfat and protein content. They are also used for draught purposes and a ...

Anatolian Black cattle are native to Turkey. They are known for their hardiness and resistance to disease, as well as their ability to thrive in harsh and semi-arid regions. They are medium to large animals, with a distinctive black or dark-brown color, and long horns. They are known for their high-milk production, especially during the summer months, and good milk quality. They are also used for drought purposes and as a source of meat. The bree ...

Originating from the sun-kissed landscapes of the Andalusia region in Spain, the Andalusian Black cattle, also known as "Castellana-Andaluza" or "Andalusian Grey", stand as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of livestock bred for the arid terrain. Revered for their hardiness and innate resistance to disease, these noble creatures are stalwart inhabitants of harsh and semi-arid regions, where they thrive amidst the rugged beauty of the ...

Originating from the serene landscapes of Angeln, Germany, Angeln Cattle have been meticulously cultivated and bred since the early 19th century, tracing their lineage back to 1830. Renowned for their exceptional milk production, these bovines are esteemed for their ability to yield milk with notably high butterfat content.

Bred with precision and purpose, the current breeding standard for Angeln Cattle aspires to achieve an impressive ...

Hailing from the vibrant landscapes of Malawi in Africa, Angoni cattle emerge as a symbol of resilience and adaptability, embodying the indomitable spirit of livestock bred to thrive in the harshest of environments. Revered for their hardiness and innate resistance to disease, these magnificent creatures are stalwart inhabitants of harsh and semi-arid regions, where they navigate the rugged terrain with ease and grace.

Medium to large ...

Angus Beef, also known as Aberdeen cattle, are a very successful and well known breed of cattle. They originated in Scotland in the highlands of Northern Scotland, in the countries or "shires" of Angus and Aberdeen of Angus and Aberdeenshire, but today they are found worldwide as one of the most successful cattle ever. There are two strains in the Angus breed - Black and Red, and are naturally polled.

Angus cattle, locally also known as ...

Angus Hybrid cattle are black polled composite cattle developed from American Angus blended with enough Continental Breed genetics to add lean red meat performance to the widely acknowledged Angus carcass quality and maternal characteristics. Angus hybrids have been developed in a number of different combinations using different continental carcass breed genetics to achieve the desired carcass performance. True Angus hybrids are at least 5/8 ...

Ankole-Watusi, or just Ankole, cattle go back many hundreds of years and their ancestry can be traced back to Europe and Asia as early as 15000 BC. Today Ankole cattle are distributed mostly from Lake Mobutu to Lake Tanganyika in eastern Africa.

They are very hardy animals and can live in very poor conditions with little water and poor grazing. Ankole cattle have a medium-long head, a short neck with a deep dewlap and a narrow chest. T ...

Aosta cattle is a breed of cattle that originated in the Aosta Valley region of Italy. They are known for their hardiness and resistance to disease, as well as their ability to thrive in harsh and mountainous regions. They are medium-sized animals, with a distinctive red or brown color, and short horns. They are known for their high milk production, especially during the summer months, and good milk quality. They are also used for drought purpose ...

Apulian Podolian cattle is a breed of cattle that originated in the Apulia region of Italy, and it is also known as Podolica. They are known for their hardiness and resistance to disease, as well as their ability to thrive in harsh and semi-arid regions. They are medium to large animals, with a distinctive dark-brown color, and long horns. They are known for their high milk production, especially during the summer months, and good milk quality. T ...

Arado cattle are from the North Ethiopian highlands. They are part of the Zenga breed group. Mainly they are bred as draught animals, particularly tillage. They fed mainly on crop residues. They are often cross-bred through bull and artificial insemination services.

Arado cattle have red and black coats. Bulls and oxen have thick and short horns and a cervicothoracic hump; cows have medium, thin horns. Oxen weigh 254 kg and cows 201 k ...

Armorican (known as French Armoricaine) are an endangered French cattle raised for both milk and meat production. They were developed in Brittany in the 19th century by cross-breeding local Froment du Léon and the now-extinct Pie Rouge de Carhaix cattle with imported Shorthorn stock from the United Kingdom.

Their name Armoricain came into use in 1923, and a herdbook was started in 1919. In the 1960s, the breed was used with Meuse ...

Arouquesa are relatively small cattle from Portugal. They are raised for both milk and meat production. They are found almost exclusively in the Northern Portuguese districts of Viseu, Braga, Aveiro and Porto. They were granted protected geographical status of Denominacao de Origem Controlada (DOC) from the European Commission.

They are light brown; although the bulls may become a little darker than the cows. Both bulls and cows have h ...

Asturian Valley (also known as Asturiana Occidental, Asturiana de los Valles, and Carrenana) cattle are raised for both milk and meat production. They originated in the valleys of Asturias, Spain and belongs to an exclusive bovine group in Spain known as the tronco Cantabrico (Cantabric trunk).

They are mostly raised in the northern coastal areas on the Bay of Biscay and the river valleys at the foot of the Cordillera Cantabrica mounta ...

Aubrac are a moderate-framed, highly maternal breed from southern France that were developed centuries ago for production of forage-based beef.

The Aubrac region supports little grain production, so economic reality has propelled selection for productive and efficient beef cattle. As the U.S. industry moves toward more moderate-framed, deeper-bodied and practical cattle, Aubrac cattle have caught the attention of many cattlemen. Develo ...

Australian Braford cattle are raised mainly for meat production. As the name suggests, they are from Australia and developed in Queensland between 1946 and 1952. They were developed with the goal of producing cattle that were resistant to cattle ticks and tolerate heat better than some other cattle breeds. They were developed as a cross between a Hereford bull and a Brahman cow, and they carry the characteristics of both breeds. Currently they ...

Australian Lowline cattle are a group of specially bred Angus cattle from Australia.

In 1974, a special research project was commenced at the Trangie Research Centre in New South Wales utilizing the Angus herd of the prize-winning Trangie Stud; this had been a ‘closed’ herd (meaning, no new blood had been introduced) since 1964. The project involved breeding animals for size, selecting the largest and smallest animals respectively as c ...

Ayrshire are dairy cattle that originated from Ayr county, Scotland. They were developed from local cattle crossed with Shortgang, Tiswaters, Alderney, Jersey, Dutch, Guernsey, and most significantly Dutch cattle.