What are Some Different Types of Cattle?

When most people think of cows, a large, amiable black and white animal probably comes to mind, but there are in fact a wide number of types of cattle, with almost a thousand cattle breeds being raised all over the world for a variety of purposes. Those black and white cattle you're thinking of, by the way, are dairy cattle from the Holstein breed, one of the most widely raised dairy cattle breeds in the world. Cows come in a range of shapes and sizes, for all sorts of purposes, and many people are working to preserve rare cattle breeds, along with the centuries of farming heritage that they represent.

Two major subspecies of cattle are domesticated: Bos taurus taurus, or taurine cattle, and Bos taurus indicus, or zebus. Taurine cattle are adapted for the cooler climates of the Northern Hemisphere, while zebus are better suited for hot, dry climates like those found in Africa. This has actually caused problems among some well-meaning aid organizations, which have exported taurine cattle to Africa to help people with famine conditions, only to discover that these cattle are not suited to the environment, requiring many more resources than zebus and ultimately proving to be more trouble than they are worth.

Types of cattle are generally broken up by purpose. Beef cattle, as you might imagine, are bred to yield large amounts of high quality meat, while dairy cattle have been bred to deliver copious milk with a high butterfat content. Draft cattle are bred to be working animals, pulling plows, carts, and other farm equipment. Multipurpose cattle can perform two or all three of these tasks, depending on the breed.

Some well known examples of beef cows include: Angus, Limousin, Longhorn, North Devon, Wagyu, and Hereford. Popular dairy breeds, in addition to the Holstein, include Brown Swiss, Jersey, Ayrshire, and Milking Shorthorn Cattle. These types of cattle all tend to be more lightweight than beef cattle, and many of them are smaller, as well. Jerseys in particular are renowned for their milk and gentle temperaments.

Belgian Blues, Charolais, Lourdais, Welsh Blacks, and Red Polls are all examples of mixed-use cattle. You can also found cattle bred specifically for sport, such as the cattle used in bullfighting and bullriding. A number of breeders have also developed zebu/taurine hybrids, taking advantage of the best traits of both subspecies to create especially strong, flexible types of cattle.

Cattle breeds are typically categorized by their primary use: dairy, beef, or dual-purpose. Dairy breeds like the Holstein are bred for milk production, boasting high milk yields. Beef breeds such as the Angus are valued for meat quality, with excellent marbling and growth rates. Dual-purpose breeds like the Shorthorn provide both milk and meat, offering versatility for farmers.

Popular beef cattle breeds include the Angus, known for its tender and flavorful meat, and the Hereford, prized for its hardiness and efficient growth. The Charolais, recognized for its heavy muscling and lean meat, is also a favorite among beef producers. These breeds are selected for their ability to convert feed into high-quality beef efficiently.

The Holstein-Friesian breed dominates the dairy industry due to its exceptional milk production, often exceeding 20,000 pounds of milk per year. Jersey cattle are also favored for their high butterfat content, making their milk ideal for cheese and cream products. The Ayrshire breed is appreciated for its adaptability and quality milk, suitable for a range of dairy products.

Yes, certain heritage cattle breeds face the risk of extinction. The Red Poll, once a common dual-purpose breed, has seen declining numbers. The Florida Cracker and Pineywoods are two American breeds with low populations due to their replacement by more commercially viable breeds. Conservation efforts are crucial to preserve the genetic diversity these breeds offer.

Environmental conditions greatly influence where different cattle breeds thrive. For instance, Brahman cattle are prevalent in hot, humid climates due to their heat tolerance and insect resistance. In contrast, Scottish Highland cattle are well-suited for colder, rugged terrains with their thick coats and foraging ability. Farmers select breeds that can best adapt to local environmental challenges.

Cattle breeds contribute to sustainable agriculture by providing ecosystem services such as grazing, which can help manage land and maintain biodiversity. Some breeds, particularly those adapted to local conditions, can be more efficient in resource use, reducing the environmental footprint of farming. Rotational grazing practices with appropriate cattle breeds can enhance soil health and reduce the need for chemical inputs.