Volume 36 | Issue 3 Article 4

1974 An Overview of the Exotic Breeds of Cattle Lowell Anderson Iowa State University

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Recommended Citation Anderson, Lowell (1974) "An Overview of the Exotic Breeds of Cattle," Iowa State University Veterinarian: Vol. 36 : Iss. 3 , Article 4. Available at: https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/iowastate_veterinarian/vol36/iss3/4

This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Journals at Iowa State University Digital Repository. It has been accepted for inclusion in Iowa State University Veterinarian by an authorized editor of Iowa State University Digital Repository. For more information, please contact [email protected]. An Overview of the Exotic Breeds of Cattle

by Lowell Anderson*

The introduction of exotic breeds of cat­ promising for more importation from Can­ tle into the United States has begun to ada.12 accelerate within the last ten years. It is There are over 400 different breeds of almost impossible to keep up with the cattle occurring throughout the world. breed names. Although most of these Some of these breeds are dispersed world­ breeds have existed for many years in wide, while others are localized within Europe, they are now being found to have specific regions. A goal for a high level potential in crossbreeding with the beef of perfection in production is the principle breeds that are more familiar within the reason for the wide distributjon of these United States. various breeds. It is an interesting endeavor to find in­ Due to breed movement, adaptation, and fornlation about these breeds. Most of the improvement, a variety of types or breed work and test data is recorded in a lan­ lines originate within a breed. If enough guage other than English. Information variety occurs, eventually a new breed may about them in the United States is not in bud off. One would find it difficult and sufficient quantity to fairly evaluate their unrewarding to initiate a new breed by potential. simply selecting for a certain type of an­ An attempt to define the exotic, de­ imal within the base breed. Upon selecting scribe a few of the exotic breeds, and make for a specific type one would need to cross a general evaluation of their purpose is closely related animals. An inbred line the goal of this overview. would result and a lack of heterosis would It is important to keep current in what most likely decline the overall efficiency is happening with the beef industry. It of the "new breed." As history indicates appears that exotic cattle despite the dif­ newly organized breeds with only a few ficulty of importation into the United differing types and no outstanding traits States are gaining significance. The state do not exist very long.9 veterinarian's office in Iowa has said that, A breed has its own structure which due to the lack of a port of entry into the consists of a number of specific traits in­ United States for cattle exported from for­ herited from different herds of origin. Im­ eign countries, live animals must first be provement can be accomplished through shipped to Canada. They must pass rigid crossing breed types within the breed, but import regulations and also pass export not sacrificing the traits that set it off as regulations before their availability into differing from other breeds of cattle. If the United States can be accomplished. one were to search for a good exotic breed, Therefore, the method of transportation of he would find that it has been well estab­ exotics is done primarily by senlen and lished and its ancestors date back hun­ ovum transplants into foster cows. dreds of years. Straightbred livestock of exotic breeding is still rare to find, but the future looks Ways To Improve A Beef Breed

"Mr. Anderson is a fourth year student in the College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University. There are many ways of improving the

Issue No.8, 1974 103 profits in raising beef and the quality of member only two traits were mainly con­ beef raised. Areas that should be consid­ sidered in this cross.8 ered when attempting improvement and Other methods of breeding plans have that are mentioned frequently are: man­ been successful in incorporating and se­ agement, environment, disease and para­ lecting for multiple traits. For example, site control, nutrition, and the type of beef three breed cross has increased the Dum­ animal. ber of calves weaned, and achieved higher Due to an increasing amount of re­ weaning weights. Straight breeding, how­ search on feeding and housing of beef an­ ever, will tend to increase milking ability imals, and better trained and skillful man­ as in the Holstein. Little or no predictable agers it seems that animal improvement heterosis occurs when considering carcass is becoming the next area of major inter­ merit or feed efficiency. est. In years past, county fairs and show ex­ Types of Breeding Programs4&:8 hibitions have judged cattle on conforma­ tion and style. Presently one sees an in­ 1. Two breed cross system-Is the breed­ creasing popularity for carcass and feed­ ing of a male straightbred with a fe­ lot performance competition. People have male straightbred of two separate begun to figure feedlot profits down to the breeds. Heterosis occurs only in the penny. It is this trend from blue ribbon calf. It is the most common type of to blue chip that initiated the push for in cross and is used in the production of creased animal efficiency and economic quality marketing animals. It may gain. also be used to produce maternal stock How can one improve his cattle espe­ for another breeding program. cially when money is a concern? Obvious­ 2. Three breed terminal-Heterosis is ly, if one were to develop a so called "Per­ maximum in both the brood cow and fect Breed," the animal would have to rank in the calf. More breeds ar'-C used in above all others in various categories. One the cross; consequently, more breed should consider: cutability, grading, re­ types can be introduced. An example sistance to climatic changes, fast gaining, of this program is Angus X Simmen­ early maturity, feed efficiency, ability to tal to produce the dam and sire, to utilize poor quality feedstuffs, resistance to this cross a Charolais bull. The insects and other parasites, ability to re­ crossed brood cow should be bred to produce an equally potential animal and to obtain good milking ability, ease of be satisfying to look at. If and when all calving, good conception, utilize a poor these could be achieved one would still be class of feed, easy to manage under trying to strive beyond these records. It environmental stress, economically is of course the goal of a producer to come feasible to maintain, and may be able as close to these as possible. to improve carcass quality from one of Selection of certain traits to improve a the breeds used in the maternal cross. herd has been done by introducing a new The paternal straightbred may be large bull type or breed. One cannot expect im­ and sire calves with growthiness and provement overnight and can only select feed efficiency. for one or two traits to assure their reten­ 3. Backcross-Attains 100% heterosis in tion with the herd. It has been discovered the brood cow but only 50% in the that crossbred cattle are most efficient in calf. This cross is produced by mat­ this aspect. For example, crossing of two ing an F 1 back to one of its parental straight breeds, Hereford and Angus, gives breeds. This cross is used in improv­ a ((black baldie" which has combined the ing brood cow productivity. growthiness of the Hereford with the car­ 4. Two breed crisscross-Bulls of 2 cass quality of the Angus. This has been breeds are used alternately. The bulls a very successful and popular cross. Re- of each breed being bred to daughters

104 Iowa State University Veterinarian of the other breed. One obtains a 67% 5. When using the three breed terminal heterosis in the cow and 67% in the program always buy crossbred replace­ calf as well. ment females. This will maximize the 5. Three breed rotation-Three breeds percent of heterosis. are used in sequence. One attains a high level of heterosis in the total pop­ Why Exotics Are Used ulation. Try to select daughters and granddaughters of the other two breeds Popularity and discovery are two of the to mate with a different breed sire. reasons for the latest surge to import and One can eventually attain 85% heter­ crossbreed exotic cattle. Some breeds are osis in both the cow and the calf. This considered reliable just because they have type of system would primarily be re­ been discovered in Europe. The fact re­ stricted to large cow/calf operations. mains that much of the information on 6. Mass mating of bulls-Is the random these breeds is hard to come by. The rec­ mating of several breeds of bulls to ords that are received, one must remem­ the cow herd. The orily advantage is ber, have been gathered from trials done that a minimal amount of manage­ under different conditions and controls ment is needed. than we have in the United States. One The goal of crossbreeding is to attain a must wait to evaluate the performance of high percentage of heterosis. In other exotics until they have been tested and words have the potential of the calf be crossed with more recognized U~S. breeds. higher than the average potential between When crossing exotics with U.S. breeds its two parents. The three breed rotation one can combine the roughened tri-pur­ is desirable and practical for the large calf pose breed with a breed that will smooth producer, while the three breed terminal its conformation without losing growthi.. is practical for any size operation. Choos­ ness, meatiness, and milking ability. ing what the breeds should be in a breed­ Following is a list of some exotic breeds, ing program is entirely up to the individu­ a short description, and a suggestion of al manager. He must decide what goals where the breed may best be suited in a and what improvements must be strived breeding program. A list of important for and obtain bull and livestock that- will traits to consider were compared among best suit his need. dairy and beef breeds of the U.S. and the Rules for planning a crossbreeding pro­ exotic breeds. If a particular trait is men­ garm: tioned in the breed description then it has 1. Plan to use breeds that give uniformi­ significance as compared with the other ty. One may even strive for a uniform breeds that have been compared. Among color among the herd. the traits compared were: efficiency under 2. Use one breed to keep a constant ma­ minimal management, disposition, heat ternal quality and one breed to retain tolerance, cold tolerance, fertilify, calving market gradability. ease, size of calf, milking ability, mother­ 3. One may be able to sell female calves ing ability, feed efficiency, pre- and post­ to other breeders wanting good ma­ weaning weights, growth, mature size, lon­ ternal stock. gevity, optimum slaughter weight, fat 4. Do not go with too big or growthy of thickne.ss, muscling, bone, age at puberty, a bull. Stay within the 1,050-1,250 and if the breed is best suited in terminal, range at 365 day age. Remember at rotational, or as a maternal component in the normal market weights heavier a breeding program. breeds will not be as mature and grade as high as compared to a lighter breed. Breed Descriptions2,5,6;7,9,lO,13 A large breed sire may even create some problems with the ease of calv- 1. Blonde D'Aquitaine-Like the Charo­ ing in the brood cow. lais, golden brown to wheat colored,

Issue No.. 8, 1974 10-5 originated in southwestern France. muscling, 1,000-1,100 lbs. at 365 1,504Ibs. at 365 days with daily gain days. Optimal slaughter weight is at 3.5 lbs. Noted for growth ability, 1,100-1,200 lbs. Terminal or rota­ carcass quality, excellent mothering, tional sires. little calving difficulty and good con­ 6. Maine Anjou-Dark red with white ception. May have large calves when undermarkings and several white crossed. 1,150 is optimum slaughter markings along the body. Originated weight, lean carcass with a lot of in France when red and white draft muscling, and medium boned. Sug­ animals were crossed with Shorthorns. gested as a bull for terminal or rota­ Used for draft, but had good beef tional programs. characteristics and also milking po­ 2. Chianina-White to creme with black tential, long gestation, good pre- and switch and dark skin pigment. Orig­ post weaning growth, good disposi­ inated in Italy and many consider to tion, large calf, good milking ability, be the largest beef breed in the world good. feed efficiency, lean but well (may reach 4,000 lbs. mature weight). muscled, heavy boned. Optimum They are docile, adapt well to pasture slaughter weight is 1,250 lbs. May be grazing, rapid growth, well marbled, used as maternal rotational or termi­ good heat tolerance, not good milking nal components in a breeding plan. ability, good feed efficiency, excellent 7. Marchigiana-Light gray color and post weaning growth rate. Optimum from Italy. Quiet disposition, high slaughter weight is 1,350 lbs., lean growth rate, does well under adverse carcass, late to reach puberty, fine conditions. boned considering the size, although 8. Murray Grey-Grey, polled, and light. almost always used for draft in Italy. The breed was founded in Australia. Chianina works the best as a terminal Excellent carcass quality and feed sire. conversion, fast growth, small calf 3. Devon-Solid mahogany red, devel­ size, docile, good fertility, ease of oped in southwestern England. Draft calving, good mothering ability, early animal. The calves seem to be light puberty. Optimal slaughter weight at birth (55 to 60 lbs.), adapt well to is 1,040 Ibs. Maternal or rotational temperature extremes. The optimum breeding program. slaughter weight is 1,100 lbs. May 9. Simmental-Creme and white to dark be used as a maternal component or red and white. Came from Switzer­ a rotational sire in a breeding pro­ land. Rapid growers, thick muscling, gram. well marbled, can adapt to many cli­ 4. South Devon-Originated as a draft mates, good disposition, large calf at animal in England. Rangy conforn1a­ birth, good milkers, good feed effi­ tion, but well muscled, above aver­ ciency, fast post weaning growth. age longevity, maybe a useful dual 1,215 lbs. is the optimal slaughtering purpose breed, prone to have large weight. Can be used in a maternal, calves at birth. Optimum slaughter rotational or terminal type, of pro­ weight is 1,150 lbs. Maternal or ro­ gram. tational programs are suggested. 10. Welsh Black-Black breed from 5. Limousin-Reddish gold with light Wales. Tolerates changes in climatic tan under belly, on the muzzle and conditions, ample milk cow, longev­ legs. Originated in France about ity, slow maturing and growing, effi­ 7,000 years ago. Good gainers, ex­ cient under minimal management, cellent marbling, smaller boned than tolerant to the cold, good mothering Charolais, poor milking ability, long ability, small mature size and poor gestation, excellent post weaning muscling. 933 lbs. is the optimum growth, excellent cutability, good slaughter weight. Used as maternal

106 Iowa State University Veterinarian component of a breeding program. tion found on this breed. 11. Flekvieh-White face and irregular 19. Pinzgauer-No information. white markings and a color from This list of exotic cattle is by no means creme to dark red. Upgraded by Sin1­ complete. It is however, a list of which mentals and originated in Austria. semen can be purchased from A-I studs. Used as a dual purpose breed, with Many other breeds of cattle can also be good disposition, mothering ability, used in the breeding programs that were fertility, feed efficiency, post weaning previously described. Charolais can ,also growth, muscling and heavy boned. be considered an exotic, but due to their It is a large breed with large calves abundance and straightbred herds here in and an optimum slaughter weight of the United States I find it hard to classify 1,213 lbs. May be used as maternal, them as an exotic. rotational, and terminal animals in reproduction. Conclusion 12. Gelbvieh-Light tan to yellow to light red in color. Originated in Germany. A trend of feedlot beef is occurring and Selected for its milking potential. It with it a trend of crossing with exotic cat­ averages 4.5% butterfat in the milk. tle. It seems there is indeed potential in They have large calves, are efficient, these breeds. The basis behind them indi­ good post weaning growth. Optimal cate they are stable. They definitely may market weight is 1,175 lbs. Can be help to improve the standard beef breeds, used in all three programs. but yet one must remember that exotics 13. Tarentaise-Solid Reddish tan and a as a general rule were produced for tri­ French breed. It is a D10untain type purpose breeds and not specifically bred and has a good history of milking po­ to excel in one area. tential. An attempt to describe the usefulness 14. Pie Rouge-Is like the Simmental of of incorporating the exotics, some of the Switzerland, only comes from France. factors they have to offer, and suggested Has slightly more of a dairy confor­ breeding plans were discussed. mation. It has good disposition, feed One can only wait for trials and results efficiency, fast post weaning weight, before being able to justify the effective­ good muscling. 1,213 lbs. is the op­ ness of these breeds, improving what has timal marketing weight. Useful for in the past been a very successful and maternal, terminal and rotational progressive beef industry. breeding. 15. Lincoln Red-Solid red color. Orig­ Bibliography

inated from England. Excellent car­ 1. A Summary of Artificial Insemination Regulations of cass length, also good dual purpose Beef Breed Associations, National Association of Ani­ mal Breeders, 1973. breed, but has been selected for its 2. Applied Beef Genetics, Carnation, Box 437, Water­ town, Wisconsin, 1973. beef qualities. Useful for maternal 3. Burlakov, N. M., Statsev, D. I., Cattle Husbandry, 1967. and rotational breeding programs. 4. Crossbreeding for Iowa Beef Cattle Production, PM561, 16. Normande-Red to brown and is the Cooperative Extension Service, lSD, Feb., 1973. 5. Curtiss Beef Breeding Guide, Curtiss Breeding Ser­ most numerous breed in France. It vice, 1974. 6. The Curtiss 24 Beef Breeds, Curtiss Breeding Service, is a small structured cow with Short­ Sertiss Inc., 1972. 7. Mason, I. L., Animal Breeding Abstract (Beef Per­ horn influence. Used as a maternal formance of Large Cattle Breeds of Western Europe), component in crossing programs. Vol. 39 no. 1, :March, 1971. 8. Production and Use of Specialty-Bred Crossbred Beef 17. MRY (Meuse Rhine Yssel)-Red and Cows in Iowa, AS 389, Cooperative Extenljion Service, lSD, July, 1973. white spotted from the Netherlands. 9. Rouse, J. E. World Cattle Vol. 1&11, 1970. 10. Sire Catalog, American Breeders Service, 1973. It produces more beef and less milk 11. Thomson, G. :M., Selection of Sires for Use in Artifi­ than the Friesian. cial Breeding, Thesis for Ph.D. Animal S:Cience, ISU, 12. State Veterinarian Office of Iowa, Des ~Iojnes, Iowa, 18. Romagnola-White or pale grey with Personnal Communication with Dr. Owens. 13. Wallace, R. A., et. al. Comparison of Breeds, Better dark colored points. Little informa- Beef Business, 1971.

Issue No.3, 1974 107