Angus vs Hereford | Hereford vs Angus Beef Cattle Compared
Angus and Hereford are two breeds of cattle those are extensively used in the beef industry. They exhibit a range of similarities, being in the same taxonomic classification. However, the differences between them are many, and would be interesting to know. This article discusses the main differences between them following their characteristics.
Angus cattle are a breed of beef cattle originated in Scotland. Aberdeen Angus is another widely referred name for the same breed. The native cattle in the places Aberdeenshire and Angus in Scotland were crossed to develop Aberdeen Angus cattle. They are naturally polled, which means they do not have horns. They are usually solid black or red in colour with a white coloured udder. These red and black Angus are considered as two different breeds in USA, and Angus is the most popular meat cattle there. However, Angus cattle have some genetic disorders such as dwarfism and osteoporosis. In cross breeding of many cattle species, Angus has been very important as a measure to reduce dystocia or calving difficulties, because of their polled gene. Their females can live longer, and one of them has lived over 35 years.
Hereford is a breed of beef cattle originated in Herefordshire of England. They have been used mainly in meat production in the temperate and intemperate regions of the world. Usually, Hereford cattle have a red and white coloured coat. Particularly, they are red coloured cattle with white colour present at head, front of the neck, brisket, tail switch, and undersides. They have small horns, but some are genetically modified so that they will not have horns. The small horns are thick and curved downwards along the sides of head. Hereford cattle are well built cattle with large forequarters, deep brisket, broad head, and stocky legs. Additionally, they are fast growing animals with good quality and tasty meat.
What is the difference between Angus and Hereford Cattle?
· Origin of Angus cattle is Scotland, while it was in England for Hereford cattle.
· Angus cattle are solid black or red in colour, whereas Hereford cattle usually have a red and white mixed coat.
· Angus cattle naturally lack horns, but Hereford cattle have small curved horns.
· Beef of Angus cattle is higher quality compared to Hereford.
· As Herefords have white colour on their coat, they are more prone to skin pigmentations and cancers, but Angus cattle are resistant to many of those problems as they have solid black or red coloured coats.
· Herefords have pink eye, but it is rare in Angus cattle.