Angus
What are the origins of the Angus breed of cattle?
What are the key traits of Angus cattle?
When was the Angus breed of cattle introduced to the United States?
What is the Red Angus strain of cattle known for?
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Angus, breed of black, polled beef cattle, for many years known as Aberdeen Angus, originating in northeastern Scotland. Its ancestry is obscure, though the breed appears closely related to the curly-coated Galloway, sometimes called the oldest breed in Britain. The breed was improved and the present type of the cattle fixed early in the 19th century by a number of constructive breeders, among whom Hugh Watson and William McCombie were the most famous.
Traits
The characteristic features of the breed are its black color, polled head, compact and low-set body, fine quality of flesh, and high dressing percentage. With an average weight of 1,000 kg (2,204 pounds) and height at the withers of 1.45 meters (4.75 feet), males are larger than females (average weight, 650 kg [1,433 pounds]; average wither height, 1.35 meters [4.43 feet]). The Angus is a beef breed of the highest rank, and for years purebred or crossbred Angus steers have held high places of honor at the leading fatstock shows in Great Britain and the United States. The breed was introduced into the United States in 1873, and after that date its influence spread widely there and in other countries.
A calm disposition, the ability to withstand extreme temperatures, ease of calving, early maturity, and efficient feed conversion (the ability to convert fodder into meat and milk) make Angus a popular breed for both commercial and breeding purposes. Their black coats make them less susceptible to cancer eye and sunburn or snowburn of the udders. Angus cows have superior mothering qualities and remain productive until 12 to 14 years of age. Meat from the breed is tender and marbled, with high dry matter and intramuscular fat.
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Strains
Within the breed a strain known as Red Angus has gained in popularity since the mid-20th century, particularly for purposes of outcrossing and crossbreeding. Angus cattle are used extensively in crossbreeding programs to improve maternal traits, growth performance, market value, adaptability, and overall beef quality. The Brangus, developed from Brahman and Angus stocks, is notable for its resistance to heat.
