Top 15 Cattle Breeds for Your Farm
- Janine Russell
- 7 days ago
- 12 min read
If you are thinking about starting a cattle herd, you're in the right place. Selecting the right breed of cattle is critical to your operation. And since you'll be investing both time and money into these animals, you'll want to make sure you invest in the right breeds of cattle. In this post, we'll help take some of the guesswork out of choosing the right cattle breed for your operation.
But before choosing from the varied breeds of cows for your farm, remember to develop goals for your farm and have a plan. The more you do your homework and research, check out breed association sites, and talk to neighbors about the breeds of cattle they raise, the better informed you'll be, and by taking the extra steps to gather all the information you can, the better, more informed decision you'll make.
How To Choose the Right Cattle Breeds?
There are a lot of details and cattle breeds to consider in this process. What we're going to cover here is mostly about breed information, but here are some of the other key factors to know (and research) when choosing between cattle breeds.
Are you raising cattle for beef or dairy?
Goals for production and yield
Budget for purchases and operating costs
Revenue & profit goals
Breeds for your climate
Land & grazing area requirements
Feed & other operation costs
Ease of management & breeding
Access to breeding stock (via auction or other means)
There are many other operational and financial details to consider and weigh during this process. We suggest taking your time and investing wisely. We've covered the different types of cows, breeds of cows, specific beef cattle breeds, and more. To start you off, let's take a look at some of the top cattle breeds you may want to consider.
Angus Cattle
Angus is among the top beef cattle breeds. This breed was once thought to be a freak without horns (polled breed), but is now a very popular as you may have noticed. They can be either black or red angus.
The basics: Mature bulls weigh about 1,800 lbs, and a cow weighs about 1,200 lbs. They are solid black or red in color, sometimes with a small amount of white behind the navel scar. They are a good, solid choice among beef cattle breeds for beef production.
Pros: Angus are moderately sized, muscular animals, well known for meat production. They are widely crossbred to improve beef and milk quality. Their meat is prized in the beef market because of its marbling. They have white fat and bright-red lean meat.
Cons: The Angus cattle breed has varied temperaments. They do not like heat and will need some shade. But they have longevity, are adaptable, fertile, are readily available, and often get a high value at the sale barn.
Read more from the Angus Association
Holstein Friesian
Holstein Friesian or just Friesian is a type of cattle breed originally bred in Europe, and is a very popular breed for dairies.
The basics: A mature bull weighs about 2,500 lbs and a mature cow about 1,300 lbs. They are easily recognized by their distinctive coloring of black and white or red and white.
Pros: They are known for their amazing output of milk, butter, and large yields of beef. They are an affordable cow that you might easily find stock for in your area. They mature early and are easy to milk. Typical calves weigh about 90 pounds at birth. Holsteins typically have about a 6-year productive lifespan. On average, Holsteins produce about 17,000 lbs of milk, 600 lbs of butterfat, and 550 lbs of protein per year.
Cons: This cow can be high maintenance. So we advise doing more research on this breed. It's been known to take more feed to meet their nutritional needs due to their high output of milk.
Read more from the Holstein Association
Hereford
The Hereford cow is a friendly and easygoing breed among other breeds of cattle. They are known for their beef.
The basics: Hereford cows have white faces and an easy-going disposition, which makes them easy to care for and almost like pets. A mature bull can weigh about 1,800 lbs, and a mature cow weighs about 1,200 lbs.
Pros: Herefords do well in a wide range of pastures, conditions, and feed. This breed of cattle is typically easy to breed, grows fast, with high fertility rates, and is relatively docile. Herefords can produce top-quality beef with high yields, good marbling, and fat. They are very hardy and have good heat and cold tolerance.
Cons: This breed may need a little sun protection at times because of its coloring. They are sometimes hard to come by and not cheap, but a great option if you can find them.
Read more from the Hereford Association
Brown Swiss
The Brown Swiss is known more for their milk production than beef. They make excellent butter and are very hardy and docile. They are big and live a long time.
The basics: A mature bull weighs about 2,000 lbs, and a mature cow weighs about 1,300-1,400 lbs. Brown Swiss are sought after by milk producers for their high-quality milk with high protein and butter fat. Their milk is prized by cheesemakers because of its volume of milk and protein. Brown Swiss have some of the best fat-to-protein ratios of any of the dairy breeds for most cheese production.
Pros: Brown Swiss are strong, solid breeders, robust, adaptable, and live a long time. They are a good choice for both meat and dairy farms and provide good yields of both.
Cons: They do take longer to mature. Make sure that you are getting them from a good source and that they are not a freemartin.
Read more from the Brown Swiss Association
Charolais
The Charolais (Char-Lay) is a French breed that is a great beef producer. They are adaptable to most climates and have rapid growth, lean, tender meat, but they do sometimes have calving issues, and are a bit more high-maintenance.
The basics: They are typically white with a pink muzzle. They are medium to large-framed beef cattle with a broad body. Mature bulls weigh 2,000-2,500 lbs, and a mature cow weighs 1,250-1,600 lbs.
Pros: Charolais are good milkers. They are typically quick to mature and an efficient feedlot breed with a high feed conversion rate. Charolais are easy to calve and are adaptable to various feed types.
Cons: They can be aggressive or unpredictable, so find a reputable breeder.
Read more from the Charolais Association
Galloway
The Galloway or Belted Galloway is primarily a beef cow but has also been known to be milked and used for their hides.
The basics: Galloway cattle are commonly black, but can be found with red coloring. They are a medium to large cattle breed that is best known for meat production, as they are poor milkers. The bulls have an average weight of about 770 lbs, and cows weigh in at about 450 lbs.
Pros: They are a little smaller than some other breeds, so better if you have less space. They are adaptable to all types of climates and are naturally hornless. They are weed eaters, have an easy time calving, can calve until age 15 or 20, produce lean/low-fat meat, and have rich butter.
Cons: This breed of cattle has been known to have a unique hatred of dogs, heat stress can become a problem in some climates, and they are slow to grow.
Read more from the Galloway Association
Simmental
The Simmental is an easygoing beef or dairy cow. It has a large frame and can almost be pet-like if raised that way.
The basics: Simmental cattle are bred all over the world for their high beef production. Cows can weigh around 1,700 lbs, and bulls about 2,800 lbs.
Pros: They are quick to mature, easy to handle, and have very good feed conversion rates. Very adaptable and not easily stressed, they are a great breed for beef production. They are heavy, well-muscled animals and produce solid red meat with a minimum of waste fat. They can live relatively long, have a high fertility rate, are easy to calve, and allow for short periods between calving, and the cows make excellent mothers.
Cons: It can be expensive to buy your stock, they sometimes have trouble calving due to their size, and are prone to mastitis. So, it's recommended to purchase from reputable breeders.
Read more from the Simmental Association
Milking Shorthorn
Milking or Dairy Shorthorns are known for their body structure and ease of calving. They have been bred in Great Britain since Roman times. It is an excellent choice for beef crossbreeding and cheesemaking.
The basics: They mature early, are capable of living long, productive lives, and are efficient feed to milk converters. A mature bull weighs 1,800-1,400 lbs, and a mature cow about 1,200-1,400 lbs. Their coats can be white, red, or a blend of red and white. They have easy calving and produce large quantities of milk.
Pros: They are a versatile breed and have a calm disposition. Unlike other dairy cattle breeds, Shorthorns started as a dual-purpose breed for both milk and meat. Milk production averages 3.8% fat and 3.5% protein.
Cons: They can have some genetic issues, so buy from a reputable breeder.
Read more from the Milking Shorthorn Association
Scottish Highland
Small, hairy, and horned, what's not to love. This breed has been raised in North America mostly for novelty, although it has a lot to offer. Their ability to produce top-quality meat without the need for extra inputs and feed makes them a great cattle breed choice for those looking to produce high-quality beef with only natural inputs.
The basics: Besides being adorable, Highland cattle can be used for milk on a small scale; they produce about 2 gallons per day per cow. They are primarily a beef cattle breed that produces lean meat that is well-marbled and normally rated as premium beef. Mature Highland bulls can weigh around 1,800 lbs, and cows about 1,100 lbs.
Pros: Highland cattle are typically very docile, low-stress, and easy to keep and manage. It has lean meat and functions as a low-input animal. It has good dairy quality as well for both cheese and butter, and is well-suited for cold climates.
They can thrive in extreme climates and pasture conditions where other breeds may fail. They are an exceptionally hardy cattle breed that can convert poor grazing areas efficiently because they are natural foragers. They calve easily and produce calves between 50-75 lbs.
Cons: They tend to have a strong dislike of confinement, they have horns, poor heat tolerance, and other issues that come with long-haired animals.
Read more from the Scottish Highland Association
Ayrshire
This breed is the current record holder for milk production. Their milk is the Goldilocks of rightness; not too rich and not too light. This is one of the larger breeds of cows. If you've got the space for it. They are strong, rugged, and good at calving.
The basics: Ayrshires are red and white in color. They have horns that can grow to more than a foot long, but most Ayrshires are dehorned as calves. Ayrshires are medium-sized cattle that can weigh over 1,200 lbs when mature. They are strong and adaptable cattle that work well for various dairy setups and milking parlors.
Pros: Ayrshire cattle are excellent foragers and can thrive in harsh feeding or climatic conditions. They are a great dairy cattle breed for varied climates and conditions and make for outstanding commercial dairy cattle. Ayrshire calves are strong and easy to raise. and are excellent milk producers.
Cons: They can have strong personalities and produce a moderate butterfat in their milk.
Read more from the Ayrshire Association
Gelbvieh
The Gelbviegh is a medium to large-sized breed that was bred for a dual-purpose cattle originally in Germany.
The basics: They were originally bred for both milk and beef production and have exceptional udders and milking ability. They are a medium to large-sized cattle breed with above-average muscling, typically with reddish gold or black coloring.
Pros: This is a very adaptable breed that can be well suited for arid climates with good heat tolerance. They are medium to large in size, docile, fertile, and have a generally quiet demeanor. They produce high-quality meat cuts and are reputed to have the largest ribeye-muscle area of all breeds. They also produce high-weaning weights
Cons: Gelbvieh takes a bit longer to mature. Some research has shown that animals with a lower ADG tend to be more aggressive at the head gate.
Read more from the Gelbvieh Association
American Brahman
As you can see this breed is a little different and has a distinct appearance. The Brahman originated in India and has adapted to thrive in that environment. American breeders have brought those adaptations to their herds. They have long ears, tough hides, loose skin and a hump on their back. They are very able to adapt to hot, humid climates. Their coat is usually gray or red but can have variations.
The basics: Due to their loose skin, abundant sweat glands and short thick coat that reflects sunlight, Brahmans are able to thrive in hot temperatures and arid climates. They are very intelligent, curious, good mothers and are long lived, docile animals. A mature bull can weigh in at an average 2,460 lbs and a mature cow can be around 1,400 lbs.
Pros: Brahman cattle are excellent foragers and can thrive in arid conditions or poor or low quality feed. They are a great dairy cattle breed and have a high milk production. They are also very adapted to parasite resistance.
Cons: Because of their short coats they are not the best for cold weather climates.
Read more from the American Brahman Breeders Association or The Cattle Site: Brahman cattle
Texas Longhorn
This breed is know for their adaptability, disease resistance, and yes, long horns.
The basics: The Longhorn is a medium sized breed with bulls weighing an average of 1,800 lbs, steers weighing an average of 1,900 lbs and a cow averaging about 1,000 lbs. They vary in color and markings and can be speckled, brindled and solid colors. They are know to be adaptable in many different types of weather and environments.
Pros: They have general ease of calving and high fertility rates. This breed is generally resistant to common cattle diseases and parasites.
Cons: They've got big horns. The horns can be a safety risk if working in close quarters or if they feel threatened. Their meat can be on the leaner side (which may be a pro if you're looking for that) and may take longer to reach market weight. They are also not known for their milk production.
Brangus
The Brangus breed is a hybrid of two breeds we've already mentioned, the Angus and the Brahman. They can be black, red, polled and can have a sleek coat and the bulls have a smaller hump. Bulls can be an average of 1,900 lbs and cows average 1,200 lbs.
The basics: This is a relatively gentle and docile breed that has longevity in breeding. Although they reach maturity a little later at around 18 months they are long lived and great mothers and can breed till about 14 years. And they often have rapid weight gain.
Pros: They produce a high quality meat, the are adaptable to both hot and cold climates, are good foragers and resistant to ticks.
Cons: Slightly later maturity age, less fatty meat.
You can find more here The International Brangus Breeders Association
Guernsey
The Guernsey cattle breed is known for the golden color of their milk as well we the high butterfat and protein content. They are of moderate size, averaging about 1,200 lbs
The basics: They have a gentle temperament making them easy to manage. They will even "babysit" for other cows. They have relative calving ease and are adaptable to grazing. Their breed originated in the channel islands. They are fawn and white in color typically.
Pros: Th unique color and quality of their milk makes them an excellent choice for specialty dairies. They are gentle and have easy births.
Cons: They can be protective of their calves. Potentially there is a smaller breeding pool of bulls for this breed. The color of their milk may make for a smaller customer base.
You can find more information about this breed at The American Guernsey Association
Wrapping UP
There are many things to take into consideration before purchasing your herd. Which type you choose comes down to your priorities, budget, space, climate, and management availability. It is highly recommended to speak with a few different breeders and take a look at the different associations for the cattle you're interested in before you purchase. Maybe a hybrid is what you're looking for.
We wish you the best in your endeavor! Below are more resources for you to take a look at during your research. And as always, Happy Farming!
We hope that you start your cattle operation off right and use a cattle management software like Farmbrite. We can help with all your tracking needs, like inventory and equipment, genealogy, cattle health and tracking, accounting and financials, sales, and more.
Cattle Resources
As you can see, there are many other breeds of cattle that are suited for beef or dairy operations, so be sure to do your research to find the best breed that will work for your goals.
Check out these links to learn more.
Janine co-founded Farmbrite in 2012 with the desire to help other farmers like herself to keep better records, stay organized, and find success in their farming businesses. She comes from a line of dairy farmers and agronomists. She's a retired herbal tea maker and sheep farmer/yarn dyer, selling throughout the U.S. If she's not advocating for farmers, knitting or weeding she's out hiking in the wilderness.
