Breeds of Livestock

Breeds of Dairy Cattle

 Holstein-Friesian
• Developed in the
Netherlands
• Came to U.S. in 1852
• 90% of all dairy cattle
in the U.S. are
Holstein
• Largest of all dairy
cattle - 1500 lb. cows
• 1st in milk
production
 Brown Swiss
• One of the oldest
dairy breeds
• Originated in
Switzerland
• Came to U.S. in
1869
• 2nd in average milk
production
• Cows weigh
1500lbs.
 Ayrshire
• Developed in
Scotland
• Came to U.S. in
1822
• Cows weigh 1200
lbs.
• Ranks 3rd in milk
production
 Guernsey
• Originated on island
of Guernsey off the
coast of France
• Brought to U.S. in
1831
• 4th in milk production
• Produces a golden
colored milk
• Cows weigh 1100 lbs.
 Jersey
• Came from island of
Jersey off cost of France
• First came to U.S. in 1815
• Lowest in milk production,
highest in butterfat
• Smallest dairy breed
• Cows weigh around1000
lbs.
 Milking Shorthorn
• One of the oldest
recognized breeds in the
world, a segment of the
Shorthorn breed
• Originated in northeastern
England
• Came to U.S. (Va.) in
1783
• Provided milk, meat, and
transportation to pioneers
• Red, red & white, white,
or roan in color
Beef Cattle Breeds
 Angus
• Developed in
Scotland
• Came to U.S. in 1873
• No.1 in numbers of
registered animals
• Always polled
• There is a Red Angus
breed
 Brahman
• Developed in U.S.
between 1854-1926
• Brood stock came
from India
• Used in
cross-breeding
programs
• Large hump on back
and loose skin
• They have a high
heat tolerance
 Charolais
• One of the oldest
breeds
• Originated in France
• Came to U.S. in
1936 from Mexico
• Very large – cows
up to 1800 lbs.
• Meat & Draft
 Chianina
• Developed in Italy
• Came to U.S. in
1971
• They have black skin
and white hair
• Largest breed of
cattle. Cows up to
2400 lbs.
• Triple purpose
 Gelbvieh
• Originated in Bavaria,
southern Germany
• Developed during late
18th century
• Introduced to U.S. in
1971
• Red in color
• Known for calving ease,
mothering ability and
calf growth
 Hereford
• Developed in
England.
• Came to U.S. in
1830s - Henry Clay
• Easy breed to
handle
• White color is always
dominant
 Limousin
• Developed in France
• Semen shipped to
Canada in 1968
• Very wide horns
• Meat is very lean
 Polled Hereford
• Developed in Iowa in
1901
• Same as Hereford
breed except no
horns
 Red Angus
• Same genetics as
Angus, except red
color
• Were registered with
Black Angus
herdbooks until 1917
• Red Angus Assoc. of
America formed in
1954
Shorthorn and Polled Shorthorn
• Developed in
England about 1600
• Originally a dual
purpose breed
• Red, white or roan
in color
• Are good mothers
 Simmental
• Developed in
Switzerland
• Came to U.S. in 1969
• Has no color
requirement
• Large and docile
 Texas Longhorn
• Developed from Spanish
cattle, brought to new
world by Columbus
• Roamed free in the
southwest until after the
Civil War
• Was replaced by new
breeds in 1880s
• Numbers are increasing
 Scotch Highland
• Oldest registered breed
of cattle
• Disease resistant, lashes
protect eyes from insects
• Long horns
• Even temperament
• Requires little shelter of
feed supplements
• From Scottish Highlands,
raised from Alaska to
Texas
 Belted Galloway
• Distinctive white belt
• From Scotland
• Brought to
Pennsylvania in 1959
 Icelandic
• Found in Iceland
• Originated in Norway,
brought in during
settlement of Iceland
in 10th century
• Selected for milking
and protein
percentage in milk.
 Gir
• Zebu breed from India
• Long ears
• Long horns that
sweep back and spiral
• Used in the
development of the
Brahman
 Other Beef Breeds
• Devon (England) • Bhagnari (Pakistan)
• Dexter (Ireland) • Boran (Africa)
• Lincoln Red (England) • Tuli (Africa)
• Guzerat (India) • Nguni (Africa)
• Kankrej (India) • Ankole Watusi (Africa)
• Hariana (India) • Fulani (Afica)
• Krishna Valley (India) • Africander
• Ongole (india)
 Dual Purpose Breeds
• Normande (France) • Norwegian Red
• Red Sindhi (Pakistan) (Norway)
• Tharparkar (Pakistan) • Romagnola (Italy)
• Sahiwal (Pakistan) • Blonde d’ Aquitaine
• Red Poll (England) (France)
• Beef Freisian • Maine Anjou (France)
(England)
Beef Cross Breeds
 Indu-Brazil
• Zebu breed
developed in Brazil
from 1910 - 1930
• Originated from the
Gir breed
• Taller and lighter
muscled than the
Brahman
• White to dark grey
• Very large ears
 Santa Gertrudis
• Developed on King
Ranch in Texas
• 3/8 Brahman and 5/8
Shorthorn cross
• Red or cherry red in
color
• They have loose
folds of skin
• Hair grows short in
hot weather and long
in cold
 Beefmaster
• Developed on Lasiter
Ranch in Texas from
1908-1930
• ¼ Hereford, ¼ Shorthorn
and ½ Brahman
• Bred for six essentials:
weight, conformation,
milking ability, fertility,
hardiness, and
disposition
 Droughtmaster
• Developed in northern
Australia
• ¾-7/8 Brahman and
1/8-1/4 Shorthorn
• Red color, honey golden
to dark red
• Lean carcass
• Tick and heat resistant
• Calving ease, good
temperament
 Brangus
• 3/8 Brahman 5/8
Angus
• Solid black and polled
• Calves heavier at
birth and weaning
than Angus
• Resistant to heat and
humidity
• Produce more hair in
cool climates
 Other Cross Breeds

• Charbray (13/16 Charolais, 3/16 Brahman)

• Braford ( 3/8 Brahman, 5/8 Hereford)
• Simford (1/2 Simmental, ½ Hereford)
• Simbrah ( 5/8 Simmental, 3/8 Brahman)
• Ankina ( 5/8 Angus, 3/8 Chianina)
Breeds of Swine
 Landrace
• Developed around
1895
• Long body length
• Ears large and
drooping
• Sows noted for
good milk
production
 Berkshire
• Developed in
England
• Came to U.S. in
1823
• Medium size hog
• Erect ears, short
snout
• 6 white points
 Chester White
• Developed in PA.
• Drooped ears
• Known for mothering
ability
• Known to produce
large litters
 Duroc
• Developed in
eastern U.S.
• Drooped ears
• Red in color
• One of the most
popular breeds in
U.S.
 Hampshire
• Developed in
England
• Erect ears
• White band circling
the body
• Know for lean meat
 Poland China
• Developed in Ohio
• Black with six white
points
• Drooping ears
• One of the larger
breeds of hogs
• Used in cross
breeding programs
 Tamworth
• Originated in England
• Brought to U.S. in
1882
• Red in color
• Lean meat
• Excellent mothering
ability
 Yorkshire (Large White)
• Originated in
England
• White
• Large, erect ears
• Known as “The
Mother Breed”
• Produces large litters
• Bacon-type hog
 Vietnamese Potbelly
• Developed from a
dwarf swine breed
from Vietnam in the
1960s
• Brought to U.S from
Canada in 1986
• Full grown potbellied
pigs weigh an
average of 70-150 lb.
• Utilized as a pet
Breeds of Sheep
 Cheviot
• Originally from
England
• Small and blocky
• White face and legs
• Medium wool & meat
 Hampshire
• Developed in England
• Large in size, blocky
type
• Breed is polled
• One of the most
popular breeds
• Medium wool and
meat
 Suffolk
• Developed in
England
• Has no wool on
head or legs
• Know for production
of market lambs
• Ranks 1st in U.S.
sheep population
 Southdown
• One of the oldest
breeds
• Developed in
England
• Small and blocky
• Slow growth
 Corriedale
• Developed in New
Zealand
• Came to U.S. in
1914
• First used in western
states
• Breed is polled
 Dorset
• Brought to Oregon by
ship in 1860
• White in color
• Medium size
• Both polled and
horned varieties exist
• Second largest breed
in total numbers in the
U.S.
Rambouillet Merino
Columbia Dorset
Goat Breeds
 Alpine
– Originated in the
French Alps
– Hardy and adaptable
– No set breed color
standards
– Short, erect ears
– Mature size varies
• Males should weigh at
least 170 lb
• Females should weigh
at least 135 lb
 Nubian
– Developed in England
– Considered to be an
all-purpose breed
– High butter fat averages
– Very adaptable to hot
temperatures
– Solid or multi-colored
• Black, red, tan
– Long ears
– Roman Nose
 Angora
– Originated in Asia
– Production of mohair
• 5.3 lb of mohair per
sheering (2x per
year)
– Small frame size
– Horned
– Ringlet-like hair
– Good for foraging
 Boer (Africander)
– Originated in South
Africa
– Most popular meat
breed in US
– Low maintenance breed
– Good kidding rate
– Great performance
• Rate of gain
• Carcass merit
– 3 kidding every 2 years
 American Cashmere

– Originated in Australia
and New Zealand
– Low maintenance
– Produce fiber
• Cashmere
– Sheared once per year
• 2.5 lb of cashmere
 La Mancha

▪ Face is straight
▪ Elf ear-max. length of two
inches with tip being turned
up or down
▪ Any color or combination is
acceptable.
▪ Hair is short, fine and glossy
▪ high butterfat
 Saanen

• Switzerland
• Usually yields 3-4% milkfat
• medium to large in size
• white or light cream in color.
• Ears are erect and carried
forward.
• Face straight or dished
Breeds of Poultry
 Light Brahmas
• Skin Color- Yellow
• Egg Color- Brown
• Origin - China
• Characteristics:
1. Large, gentle nature
2. Well feathered - can
withstand cold temps.
3. Fairly good mothers
 White Cochins
• Skin Color-Yellow
• Egg Color-Brown
• Origin- China
• Characteristics:
• 1. Big fluffy balls of
feathers.
• 2. Feathers on feet - good
for confinement
 White Wyandottes
• Skin Color - Yellow
• Egg Color - Brown
• Origin - America
• Characteristics -
• 1. Medium weight
• 2. Good disposition
• 3. Narrow back &
poor hatches
 White Langshan
• Skin Color - White
• Egg Color - Brown
• Origin - China
• Characteristics-
• 1. Long Tails
• 2. Good mothers
• 3. Long legs
 Minorcas
• Skin Color - White
• Egg Color - White
• Origin - Spain
• Characteristics-
• 1. Large
combs-waddles.
• 2. Good egg producer
 White Plymouth Rocks
• Skin Color - Yellow
• Egg Color - Brown
• Origin - America
• Characteristics
• 1. Docile
• 2. Deep full breast
• 3. Docile, Popular
birds
 Rhode Island Reds
• Skin Color - Yellow
• Egg Color - Brown
• Origin - New England
• Characteristics -
• 1. Dual Purpose
• 2. Egg Production
• 3. Meat Production
 Polish
• Skin Color - White
• Egg Color - White
• Origin - Europe
• Characteristics -
• 1. Crest and Muffs
• 2. Restricted vision
• 3. Easily frightened
 New Hampshires
• Skin Color - Yellow
• Egg Color - Brown
• Origin -
Massachusetts
• Characteristics-
• 1. Rapid growth
• 2. Early maturing
• 3. Fast Feathering
 Buff Orpington
• Skin Color - White
• Egg Color -Brown
• Origin - England
• Characteristics-
• 1. Heavily feathered
bird- handle cold
• 2. Good mothers
 White Leghorns
• Skin Color - Yellow
• Egg Color - White
• Origin - Italy
• Characteristics-
• 1. Great foragers
• 2. Capable of flight
• 3. Noted for egg
production
 Houdans
• Skin Color - White
• Egg Color - White
• Origin - France
• Characteristics:
• 1. Posess crest ,
beard and muffs.
• 2. Have 5 toes each
foot.
 Silver Hamburgs
• Skin Color - White
• Egg Color - White
• Origin - Germany
• Characteristics-
• 1. Active flighty birds
• 2. Trim and stylish
• 3. Good egg
producers
 White Dorking
• Skin Color - White
• Egg Color - White
• Origin- Italy
• Characteristics:
• 1. Good layers
• 2. One of oldest
breeds
• 3. Large comb-5 toes
 Dominiques
• Skin Color-Yellow
• Egg Color- Brown
• Origin -
• Characteristics-
• 1. Hardy, calm
• 2. Good meat bird
• 3. Small single
combed
 Dark Cornish
• Skin Color - Yellow
• Egg Color - Brown
• Origin - England
• Characteristics:
• 1. Ultimate meat bird
• 2. Excellent carcass
• 3. Very active birds
 Large White

• Referred as Broad
Breasted Large White.
• Cross between Bronze
and White Holland.
• Noted for large meaty
breast.
• Artificially inseminated to
reproduce.
 Broad Breasted Bronze
• The Broad Breasted
Bronze is recognized for
producing a uniform,
well-fleshed carcass
• A desirable market weight
for toms and hens ranges
from 25 to 28 pounds and
15 to 16 pounds,
respectively per bird
 White Holland
• White Holland toms weigh from
23 to 33 pounds per bird, while
hens range in weight from 13 to
14 pounds per bird.
• The White Holland is slightly
higher in fertility than the Broad
Breasted Bronze and is rated as
a good egg producer.
• However, the White Holland is
not an efficient meat producer
and is not used for commercial
meat production today.
 Pekins
• Popular market duck
• Color - white -creamy
• Bill - Rich Yellow
• Long, broad, deep
and full breasted type
bird
• Meaty duck
• Origin - China
• Came to America in
1873
 Muscovy
• Originated in South
America.
• White feathers and white
skin.
• Weigh from 7 lbs to 10
lbs.
• Meat is best before 17
weeks.
 Indian Runner

• Come in many colors

• Most active foragers
• 150 – 300 eggs per
year
• Herd-able
 White Chinese Geese

• Originated in China.
• Two Varieties:
– White
– Brown
• Use for weeding crops,
and ornamental.
 Toulose Geese
• Originated in France.
• Dark gray with a white
abdomen.
• Adult gander weighs 26
lbs.
• Adult goose weighs about
20 lbs.
• Use weeding crops; sugar
beets, mint.
Murrah Surti
Phil. Carabao Jaffrabadi
 Arabian
● Head has a
characteristically dished
profile
● Stands between 14.2 and
15.2 hands
 Quarterhorse
● Known for athleticism
and cow sense
● Named for the “Quarter
Mile Race”
 Morgan
● Smaller in height (14 -
15 hands)
● Breed was founded by a
single stallion (Justin
Morgan)
 Thoroughbred

● Breed bred for racing

● Average height is 16
hands
 Appaloosa
● Unique color pattern of
spots (predominantly
over the hip)
● Breed Association was
formed in 1938
 Palomino
● Color registry
● Color is light to dark of
a 14 karat gold U.S. coin
● Mane and tail must be
white
 Mustang

• Mustang means wild

or stray