List of cattle breeds

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The following is a list of breeds of cattle. Over 800 breeds of cattle are recognized worldwide, some of which adapted to the local climate, others which were bred by humans for specialized uses. Breeds fall into two main types, regarded as either two closely related species, or two subspecies of one species. Bos indicus (or Bos taurus indicus) cattle, also called zebu, are adapted to hot climates. Bos taurus (or Bos taurus taurus) are the typical cattle of Europe, north-eastern Asia, and parts of Africa – they are referred to in this list as "taurine" cattle, and many are adapted to cooler climates. Taurus/indicus hybrids are widely bred in many warmer regions, combining characteristics of both the ancestral types (such as the Sanga cattle of Africa). In some parts of the world further species of cattle are found (both as wild and domesticated animals), and some of these are related so closely to taurine and indicus cattle that interspecies hybrids have been bred. Examples include the Dwarf Lulu cattle of the mountains of Nepal with yak blood,[1] the Beefalo of North America with bison genes, the Selembu breed of India and Bhutan with gayal genes. The Madura breed of Indonesia may have banteng in its parentage.[2] The Dzo of Nepal is an infertile cattle-yak crossing which is bred for agricultural work. Like the mule which is also infertile, they have to be continually bred from the parent species.

Contents

[edit] Used for multiple purposes

Abondance (cattle)
Barrosã (cattle)
British White
Randall (cattle)
Red Poll heifers
This list is incomplete; you can help by expanding it.

These breeds are used for multiple purposes.

Taurine cattle (Bos taurus)

Zebu (Bos indicus)

Hybrids

[edit] Used for dairy

Brown Swiss
Holstein
Ayrshire
This list is incomplete; you can help by expanding it.

These breeds are primarily used for their milk, in the production of dairy.

Taurine cattle (Bos taurus)

Zebu (Bos indicus)

Hybrids

[edit] Used for beef

Angus (cattle)
Limousin (cattle)
Murray Grey heifers
Square Meater heifer
Tasmanian Grey cow
This list is incomplete; you can help by expanding it.
Further information: Beef cattle breeds

These breeds are primarily used for their flesh, in the production of beef.

Taurine cattle (Bos taurus)

Zebu (Bos indicus)

Hybrids

Australian Brangus steer
Greyman Cattle Steers on left & in the foreground
Santa Gertrudis cows and calves
This list is incomplete; you can help by expanding it.

[edit] Used as draught animals

This list is incomplete; you can help by expanding it.

These breeds are primarily used as beasts of burden.

Taurine cattle (Bos taurus)

Zebu (Bos indicus)

Hybrids

[edit] Bred for other purposes

Ankole-Watusi

These breeds are used for purposes other than those listed above.

Taurine cattle (Bos taurus)

Hybrids

[edit] Feral cattle

Cattle which have reverted to a wild state.

[edit] Uncategorised breeds

Breeds in this list should be migrated to a more specific list.

[edit] See also

[edit] Footnotes

  1. ^ Takeda, K.; Satoh M.; Neopane S.P.; Kuwar B.S.; Joshi H.D.; Shrestha N.P.; Fujise H.; Tasai M.; Tagami T.; Hanada H. (April 2004). "Mitochondrial DNA analysis of Nepalese domestic dwarf cattle Lulu". Animal Science Journal 75 (2): 103–110(8). doi:10.1111/j.1740-0929.2004.00163.x. http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/bsc/asj/2004/00000075/00000002/art00003. 
  2. ^ Lenstra, J.A.; D.G. Bradley (June 1999). Systematics and Phylogeny of Cattle. ISBN 9780851992587. http://www.cabi.org/bk_bookdisplay.asp?PID=1210. 
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h Woelders, H. (2009). Cryoconservation of cattle breeds in The Netherlands. Wageningen University and Research. Available online (pdf).

[edit] References

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