Cattle 

Tropical Breeds (Primarily Bos indicus)

1. Brahman

1. Origin: Developed from Indian cattle; widely used in the U.S. and tropical regions.

2. Hump: Prominent hump over the shoulders—a classic indicus trait.

3. Ears: Large, floppy ears that help dissipate heat.

4. Skin: Loose, wrinkled skin which aids in cooling.

5. Heat Tolerance: Exceptional ability to handle high temperatures.

6. Parasite Resistance: Naturally resistant to many tropical parasites and insects.

7. Conformation: Well-muscled with a sturdy build.

8. Versatility: Used for beef, dairy (in some strains), and crossbreeding.

9. Temperament: Generally docile and manageable.

10. Adaptability: Thrives in harsh, hot, and humid climates.

2. Nelore

1. Origin: Originated from India; now one of the most popular breeds in Brazil.

2. Hump: Distinctive hump, though slightly less pronounced than in Brahman.

3. Ears: Large ears effective in heat regulation.

4. Skin: Loose skin adapted for tropical heat.

5. Growth Rate: Fast-growing with efficient feed conversion.

6. Meat Quality: Produces lean, quality beef.

7. Disease Resistance: Notable for resistance to tick-borne diseases.

8. Reproductive Efficiency: High fertility and calving ease in tropical conditions.

9. Adaptability: Excels in diverse tropical and subtropical environments.

10. Conformation: Robust and well-proportioned for beef production.

3. Gir

1. Origin: Hails from the Gir forests of Gujarat, India.

2. Hump: Moderate hump—not as large as Brahman, but typical of indicus types.

3. Udder: Exceptionally well-developed udders, prized in dairy production.

4. Ears: Moderately large ears to assist with heat dissipation.

5. Coat: Typically light brown or reddish in color.

6. Heat Tolerance: Excellent adaptation to high temperatures.

7. Disease Resistance: Resilient against common tropical ailments.

8. Dual-Purpose: Valued for both milk and meat production.

9. Temperament: Known for a calm and steady disposition.

10. Conformation: Balanced body structure supporting both dairy and occasional beef use.

4. Guzerat

1. Origin: Native to India; also established in Brazil.

2. Hump: Prominent hump, a signature indicus feature.

3. Ears: Large, droopy ears that enhance cooling.

4. Coat: Typically red to reddish-brown.

5. Temperament: Can be more aggressive; often requires experienced handling.

6. Heat Tolerance: Highly efficient at coping with tropical heat.

7. Adaptability: Suited for harsh, hot, and humid conditions.

8. Meat Quality: Produces lean, quality beef.

9. Hardiness: Demonstrates robust performance under tropical stresses.

10. Physical Structure: Well-muscled, supporting both work and meat production.

5. Sahiwal

1. Origin: Developed in the Punjab region (Pakistan/India).

2. Hump: Moderately prominent hump, typical of indicus cattle.

3. Milk Production: One of the highest yielding dairy indicus breeds.

4. Coat: Usually a reddish-brown color.

5. Heat Tolerance: Excellent adaptation to both hot and humid climates.

6. Temperament: Generally docile and easy to manage.

7. Disease Resistance: Good natural resistance to tropical diseases.

8. Udder Conformation: Well-formed udders suited for high milk output.

9. Growth Rate: Efficient weight gain, making them useful in crossbreeding.

10. Adaptability: Performs well under varied tropical environmental conditions.

Temperate Breeds (Primarily Bos taurus)

1. Angus

1. Origin: Developed in Scotland and refined in the U.S.

2. Coat Color: Typically solid black (with a red variant available).

3. Horns: Naturally polled (hornless), which simplifies handling.

4. Conformation: Exceptionally well-muscled, ideal for beef production.

5. Meat Quality: Known for superior marbling and premium beef.

6. Adaptability: Thrives in cooler, temperate climates.

7. Temperament: Docile and easy to work with.

8. Growth Efficiency: Excellent feed conversion and weight gain.

9. Reproductive Performance: High fertility with calving ease.

10. Market Demand: Highly sought-after in premium beef markets worldwide.

2. Hereford

1. Origin: Originated in England and is now common worldwide.

2. Coat Pattern: Distinctive red body with a white face, underline, and legs.

3. Horns: Can be horned or polled; often managed with dehorning.

4. Conformation: Robust, with a balanced and compact body.

5. Meat Quality: Consistent, high-quality beef with good marbling.

6. Adaptability: Performs well across various temperate environments.

7. Temperament: Calm and adaptable, suitable for different management systems.

8. Growth: Good weight gain and efficient feed utilization.

9. Durability: Known for longevity and hardiness.

10. Ease of Management: Well-suited to both small and large-scale operations.

3. Holstein-Friesian

1. Origin: Bred in the Netherlands and Northern Europe.

2. Coat Pattern: Iconic black and white (or red and white) spotted markings.

3. Milk Production: World’s leading high-yielding dairy breed.

4. Body Size: Large, robust frame to support heavy milk production.

5. Udder Conformation: Deep, well-attached udders designed for high output.

6. Temperament: Generally calm but requires careful handling during milking.

7. Adaptability: Best suited for cooler, temperate climates.

8. Feed Efficiency: Converts feed into milk with high efficiency.

9. Genetic Traits: Selected for dairy traits over many generations.

10. Longevity: Long productive lifespan in well-managed dairy systems.

4. Shorthorn

1. Origin: Originated in England and is used for both beef and dairy.

2. Coat Variability: Comes in red, roan, or white—providing distinct identification.

3. Conformation: Balanced build suitable for dual-purpose production.

4. Temperament: Generally docile and easy to manage.

5. Adaptability: Thrives in temperate climates with moderate management.

6. Versatility: Employed in both beef production and dairy herds.

7. Growth: Exhibits good muscling and efficient weight gain.

8. Fertility: High reproductive efficiency.

9. Disease Resistance: Robust under a range of environmental conditions.

10. Longevity: Known for durability and sustained performance over time.

5. Charolais

1. Origin: One of the oldest breeds, originating from France.

2. Coat Color: Usually white or cream-colored.

3. Conformation: Large, muscular frame built for beef production.

4. Growth Rate: Fast-growing with efficient feed conversion.

5. Meat Yield: Produces lean meat with high yield.

6. Adaptability: Performs well in various temperate conditions.

7. Temperament: Typically calm and manageable.

8. Structure: Strong skeletal frame with deep body depth.

9. Crossbreeding: Often used to improve growth and carcass traits in crossbred herds.

10. Management: Although a temperate breed, can perform in moderately warmer conditions with proper care.