Beef Cattle Breeds Trivia Quiz

Answer: Angus

The American Angus Association is the largest purebred cattle registry in the world.

Answer: Hereford

The American Hereford Assoc. is based in Kansas City, MO. Clay, known as The Great Compromiser, was a Senator, Speaker of the House, and Secretary of State. He brought his Herefords to the states in 1817. Clay was from Kentucky and was instrumental in shaping American government prior to the Civil War.

Answer: Santa Gertrudis

The Santa Gertrudis breed was developed on the legendary King Ranch. The King Ranch is located in Texas and spans 825,000 acres (larger than the state of Rhode Island). The Santa Gertrudis was developed from a cross between Shorthorn and Brahman cattle. The Santa Gertrudis is credited as being the first breed developed in the USA.

Answer: Chianina

The Chianina cattle were developed in Italy as a dual purpose beef/draft animal. They were especially popular in the 1970's-80's when the beef industry wanted extremely tall cattle. Though originally solid white in color, now you will likely only find black individuals in the USA.

Answer: Shorthorn

The American Shorthorn Assoc. is located in Omaha, NE. The roan color pattern arises from an incomplete dominance of the red and white genes. This causes the animal to have both white and red hair throughout its body. This is different from spots, since the colors almost blend together.

Answer: Charolais

Charolais cattle are originally from France and are noted for their easy growth and large weaning weights. They are used quite often in crossbreeding programs to add muscle and growth to Angus or Angus-cross cows.

Answer: Maine Anjou

Maine Anjou cattle were developed in France. They are used extensively in crossbreeding programs in the USA.

Bos indicus cattle are recognized by their loose skin, droopy ears, and resistance to heat/insects. Bos indicus developed in central Asia and is epitomized by the Brahman, or holy cow of India. Other examples are Zebus, Santa Gertrudis, and Watusi Ankoli. Bos taurus, on the other hand, refers to the now extinct aurochs of Europe and their descendants. Bos taurus species are divided into two main categories, British breeds and Continentals. Examples of Bos taurus include Herefords, Angus, Charolais, and Holstein.

Answer: Hereford and Angus

The Angus supplies the black coat and the Hereford is responsible for the white face. This is considered by many to be the ultimate hybrid. Black baldies tend to grow faster than purebreds.

Answer: Spain

The Florida Cracker is very similar to the Texas Longhorn, though smaller in size and with smaller horns. All Spanish-descended cattle in the New World are refereed to as Criollo.

Answer: Santa Gertrudis

Though Maines, Limousines, and Gelbviehs were all originally reddish, their associations now allow black animals. Santa Gertrudis cattle are descended from Shorthorns and are red.