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Aberdeen Angus

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The Aberdeen Angus is a medium-sized breed of beef cattle from Scotland.

Aberdeen Angus cattle, West Tullyfergus - geograph.org.uk - 1540214
Aberdeen Angus cattle, West Tullyfergus - geograph.org.uk - 1540214

These cattle come from the north-eastern counties of Aberdeen, Banff, Kincardine, and Angus. They are highly valued for their meat and their hardiness. The breed is naturally polled, which means they do not grow horns. This trait makes them easier for people to handle. Most Angus cattle are solid black or solid red.

Angus bull 1856
Angus bull 1856

In the United Kingdom, the original native stock is listed as "at risk" by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. However, the breed's status is "not at risk" when looking at the whole world.

Farmers raise Aberdeen Angus cattle primarily for beef production. The meat is often considered superior because of its marbling. Marbling occurs when fat is distributed throughout the muscle. In Japan, this specific quality makes the meat very highly prized. The cattle also reach maturity earlier than other British breeds like the Hereford. They possess a large muscle content and are very hardy. This allows them to survive harsh Scottish winters involving snow and storms.

Bulls play a specific role in cattle breeding through a process called crossbreeding. Many farmers use Angus bulls as terminal sires on cows of different breeds. This is often done with dairy breeds to produce beef calves. Bulls can pass on the polled gene to their offspring. This helps lower the incidence of dystocia, which is difficult birth. By using these bulls, farmers can improve the ease of calving in their herds. Many modern beef breeds are actually descendants of the Aberdeen Angus.

History shows how the breed was carefully developed over time. Before the 1800s, hornless cattle in Angus were called "Angus Doddies." In the province of Buchan, they were known as "Buchan Humlies." Both names simply meant the animals were polled. In 1824, William McCombie began improving the stock. He is now called the father of the breed. The breed gained official recognition in 1835. A formal breed society was later established in 1879.

Angus bull 1856
Angus bull 1856

The breed spread across the globe through various imports. In 1873, George Grant brought four bulls to Kansas, United States. These bulls were used for crossbreeding with local Shorthorns and Longhorns. In 1876, William Brown imported cattle to Ontario, Canada. A cow named Eyebright gave birth to the first calf born outside Scotland in 1877. In 1879, Don Carlos Guerrero imported cattle to Argentina. He brought one bull named "Virtuoso 1626" and two cows to his Estancia "Charles."

Judging Aberdeen Argus bulls, Royal Sydney Easter Show, 8657343610 (detail)
Judging Aberdeen Argus bulls, Royal Sydney Easter Show, 8657343610 (detail)

In the United States, the breed developed into two distinct types. The American Angus and the Red Angus are separate breeds. The American Angus Association was founded in Chicago in 1883. Originally, the association registered both red and black animals together. However, in 1917, they stopped registering red animals to promote a solid black breed. This led breeders of red cattle to form the Red Angus Association of America in 1954.

Judging Aberdeen Argus bulls, Royal Sydney Easter Show, 8657343610 (detail)
Judging Aberdeen Argus bulls, Royal Sydney Easter Show, 8657343610 (detail)

Today, the Angus influence is seen in many different cattle populations. In Australia, the breed is found in every state and territory. Many new breeds result from mixing Angus with other cattle. Examples include the Brangus, which is a mix of Angus and Brahman. Other examples include the Murray Grey from Australia and the Jamaica Black. Some breeds, like the Australian Lowline, are not cross-breeds. Instead, they resulted from research experiments using only Aberdeen Angus stock. This shows how much impact one breed can have on global agriculture.

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File:Angus bull 1856.jpg
Angus bull 1856.jpg
File:Judging Aberdeen Argus bulls, Royal Sydney Easter Show, 8657343610 (detail).jpg
Judging Aberdeen Argus bulls, Royal...
File:Aberdeen Angus cattle, West Tullyfergus - geograph.org.uk - 1540214.jpg
Aberdeen Angus cattle, West Tullyfergus -...
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