Aberdeen-Angus Cattle

The Aberdeen Angus, also known simply as Angus, is a well-known beef cattle breed and one of the most popular domesticated cattle breeds worldwide.

It originated in northeastern Scotland, particularly in the counties of Aberdeenshire and Angus, during the early 19th century.

This breed emerged through the selective breeding of two native cattle types: the Angus doddies and the Buchan humlies, both naturally polled (hornless).

In 1879, the breed gained international recognition when it was first exported to the United States. Over the decades, Aberdeen Angus became a global standard for premium beef.

Today, Aberdeen Angus is raised in countries with diverse climates, including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, and Brazil, due to its hardiness, disease resistance, and adaptability.

In the U.S., it has become the most registered beef breed, with certified Angus beef serving as a hallmark of quality.

Facts

• United Kingdom: In 2018, Aberdeen Angus cattle contributed to over 17% of the country’s beef production, showcasing their significance in the UK beef industry.
• United States: The Certified Angus Beef (CAB) program, designed to promote premium Angus beef, recorded sales of 1.237 billion pounds across the U.S. and 55 other countries in 2024. Additionally, the American Angus Association maintains a herd book with an impressive 21 million registered animals.
• Brazil: Angus beef production in Brazil has seen substantial growth. In the first half of 2024, exports of certified Angus meat increased by 7.8%, with major export destinations including China, Chile, the Netherlands, and Saudi Arabia.
• Australia: The breed has seen significant growth, with one in four cattle registered being Angus, and 30% of livestock sold at bull sales being Angus.

Types

There are two main types of Angus cattle that share very similar traits: Black Angus and Red Angus.

Some countries, such as Australia, recognize them as separate breeds, while others classify them together under the Angus umbrella.

Black Angus is known for its solid black coat and is the most popular and widely recognized Angus breed worldwide, especially in the United States, where it is associated with the Certified Angus Beef (CAB) program.

Red Angus, on the other hand, has a reddish-brown coat. Genetically, it is identical to Black Angus, with the only difference being the coat color.

While less common than Black Angus, Red Angus cattle are popular in warmer climates, such as in Australia, as their lighter coat helps them tolerate heat better. Gradually, they are also gaining popularity in the United States.

Types

Feature	Black Angus	Red Angus
Coat Color	Solid black	Reddish-brown
Genetics	Dominant black coat gene	Recessive red coat gene
Heat Tolerance	Moderate heat tolerance	Better heat tolerance due to lighter coat
Global Popularity	More widely recognized and popular worldwide	Increasing popularity, especially in warmer regions
Beef Quality	High marbling, tenderness, and flavor (similar to Red Angus)	High marbling, tenderness, and flavor (similar to Black Angus)
Breeding Programs	Often associated with premium programs like Certified Angus Beef (CAB)	Recognized as a separate breed in some countries like Australia
Recognition as a Breed	Sometimes grouped with Red Angus as “Angus”	Recognized as a distinct breed in some countries
Adaptability	Performs well in various climates	Performs better in warmer climates

Characteristics

Colors

These cattle can have two colors: black and red, with black being more dominant globally.

White markings, if present, are considered undesirable and are usually limited to the underline behind the navel.

Skin

The skin in both females and bulls is moderately thick, soft, and mellow to the touch. It is covered with thick, fine-quality hair.

Head, Eyes, Ears

The female’s head is moderately broad with a slightly indented forehead that tapers toward the nose. The muzzle is wide, the nostrils are open, and the eyes are mild, bright, and expressive. The ears are large, slightly upright, and well-covered with hair.

The bull’s head is broader, with a slightly prominent face that tapers toward the nose. The muzzle is broad, nostrils are wide and open, and the eyes are strong, full, and expressive. The ears are medium-sized, well-set, and covered with hair.

Horns

This cattle breed is naturally polled, with both sexes being free of horns or scurs.

Neck

The female’s neck is medium in length and spreads smoothly into the shoulders, with a full neck vein.

The bull’s neck is also medium in length but is muscular with a moderate crest that becomes more pronounced as the bull ages. It spreads out to meet the shoulders with a full neck vein.

Shoulders

In both females and bulls, the shoulders are well laid in, moderately broad, and align smoothly with the back. They are covered on the blades and top.

Chest

Both females and bulls have wide and deep chests, giving them a strong and solid body.

Brisket

The brisket in both females and bulls is prominent between the legs and moderately covered with flesh and fat.

Ribs

The ribs are well-sprung from the backbone, deep, and arched. They are neatly joined to the hips and loins.

Back

The back in females is broad and straight from the shoulders to the hips, with strong loins. The rump is long, full, level, and rounded into the hindquarters.

In bulls, the back is also broad and straight, with strong loins. The hip bones are well covered, and the rump is long, full, and smoothly connected to the hindquarters.

Hindquarters

The hindquarters in females are deep and full, with thighs that are thick and feminine. The twist is full and well-developed.

In bulls, the hindquarters are also deep and full, but the thighs are thicker and more muscular, matching the bull’s powerful build.

Tail

The tail is fine and positioned neatly in line with the back. It hangs straight down at a right angle to the body.

Udder, Teats

The udder is not fleshy, comes forward in line with the body, and is well-raised. The teats are evenly placed and of moderate size, not too long or short.

Testicles

The bull’s testicles must have a minimum circumference of 13.3 inches (34 cm).

Underline

The underline in females is as straight as possible, with a full and soft flank. In bulls, the underline is also straight, with a tight sheath close to the body.

Legs, Feet

The legs are of moderate length, straight, and squarely placed. The hind legs are slightly inclined forward below the hocks. The bones are fine and clean, and in bulls, the forearms are muscular.

The feet have large hooves with strong heels, small dew claws, and straight toes.

Size

Aberdeen Angus is a medium-sized cattle breed.

The height of the cattle ranges from 57.1 to 61 inches (135 to 150 cm), with females at the lower end and bulls at the upper end. The width varies between 22.4 to 24.4 inches (57 to 62 cm), while the length measures 86 to 94 inches (218 to 238 cm). The wither height is between 53.1 to 57.1 inches (135 to 145 cm).

Lifespan

The lifespan of these cattle ranges from 15 to 20 years.

The lifespan of females often differs slightly from that of males, primarily due to their roles in farming.

Females are kept longer than males in farming systems, especially for breeding purposes. A productive cow can remain in a herd for 12 years or even longer if she continues to produce healthy calves.

Bulls, used for breeding, have a shorter lifespan in farming systems, around 8 to 10 years, as they are often replaced by younger bulls to maintain genetic diversity and prevent inbreeding.

Growth Rate

How fast do they grow?

Aberdeen Angus cattle have a moderate growth rate compared to other beef breeds.

They have an average daily gain of 1.84 to 2.17 lbs (0.83 to 0.98 kg/day) per day from birth to weaning. During this period, there is no significant difference in daily gain between males and females.

After weaning, their average daily gain increases slightly, with males reaching up to 2.5 lbs (1.14 kg) per day. However, for females, the data shows that their daily gain becomes quite inconsistent after weaning, often decreasing to around 1.32 to 1.54 lbs (0.6 to 0.7 kg).

In feedlot settings, these cattle have demonstrated higher average daily gains of up to 3.09 to 3.53 lbs (1.4 to 1.6 kg).

It is important to note that the average daily gain can vary depending on genetics, diet, and management practices.

Weight

A mature Black Angus bull weighs between 1,873 to 2,205 lbs (850 to 1,000 kg), and a mature cow weighs between 1,257 to 1,433 lbs (570 to 650 kg).

When it comes to Red Angus, the bulls weigh slightly less than the Black ones, ranging from 1,676 to 1,984 lbs (760 to 900 kg), while the females are nearly the same, with weights ranging between 1,213 to 1,411 lbs (550 to 640 kg).

Slaughtered Time

These cattle are slaughtered when they reach the ideal weight and age to ensure high-quality beef with good marbling. The timing depends on the purpose (grass-fed vs. grain-fed) and management practices.

• Grain-fed: They are slaughtered at 18 to 24 months of age.
• Grass-fed: These cattle grow more slowly and are often slaughtered at 24 to 30 months of age.

The ideal weight for slaughtering them is between 1,100 and 1,257 lbs (500 to 570 kg).

Their dressing percentage ranges between 62% and 64%, which is similar to that of Limousin cattle. These two cattle breeds are known for having some of the highest dressing percentages.

Meat Cuts and Yield Percentages

Cut	Percentage
Shank	3-4%
Chuck	25-26%
Rib	7-8%
Sirloin	8-9%
Flank	3-4%
Round	24-26%

Temperament

Aberdeen Angus cattle are valued for their calm temperament and adaptability.

They are docile and cooperative, which reduces the risk of injury during handling. Their curiosity and ability to explore their surroundings also make them easy to manage. As herd animals, they form close bonds with others and quickly adapt to new routines due to their intelligence.

Cows have strong maternal instincts, ensuring the safety of their calves, though they may become protective if they sense a threat. Bulls, while calm, can be defensive during the breeding season and require careful handling.

Meat

Angus meat is in high demand globally, known for its marbling, high quality, rich flavor, and tenderness.

Because of this, its meat often qualifies for premium grades like USDA Prime or Choice, with around 51% of Angus beef meeting these top standards.

The meat is versatile and works well for grilling, roasting, or slow cooking. Popular cuts include ribeye, sirloin, tenderloin (filet mignon), and chuck roast. Ribeye steaks, in particular, are known for their rich flavor and tenderness and have a surface area of 10 to 16 square inches (65 to 103 square cm).

The meat is also nutritious and has a good balance of protein and fat.

Angus Beef Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~250 kcal
Protein	25-27 grams
Fat	17-20 grams
Iron	~2.5 mg
Omega-3 Fatty Acids	Higher than many other beef types

Raising

Feeding

You can feed them the following:

• Forage: This can include pasture grass, silage, or hay.
• Grain: Grains such as corn, barley, oats, or sorghum are beneficial for weight gain
• Protein supplements: Soybean meal, cottonseed meal, or other commercial protein mixes.
• Vitamins and minerals: Provide a mineral mix or block with calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and trace minerals like selenium and cooper. Vitamin A, D, and E should also be included.

The specific diet should align with your goals, such as whether you’re aiming for grass-fed beef, grain-finished beef, or meeting a specific time frame for weight gain and market readiness.

Raising Grass-Fed

Raising them grass-fed means ensuring they have access to a pasture with high-quality grasses and legumes. Common types of grasses include:

• Timothy Grass
• Bermuda Grass
• Fescue
• Ryegrass
• Orchard Grass

Legumes like clover and alfalfa are also included in their diet for added protein.

In winter or during drought conditions, when pasture is limited, you can provide hay and silage.

Raising Them with a Grain-Enhanced Diet

If you are in a hurry, you can feed calves before weaning by using creep feeding. This helps them gain weight faster and reduces the stress that comes with weaning.

However, starting this early has some downsides, like the calves becoming overweight for their age. Alternatively, you can begin feeding grains after weaning.

Some of the most common grains used are corn and oats. Corn can be given as whole kernels or coarsely milled.

Oats and barley can be fed whole or rolled and are good options for feed mixtures. Grain sorghum, when coarsely milled, provides less energy than corn, so weight gain may be slightly slower.

Wheat can also be included in their diet but should not make up more than one-third of the feed since ruminants don’t handle high levels of wheat well.

It’s important to introduce grains slowly and allow around 30 days for the calves to adjust and reach their full feed intake.

They require constant access to clean, fresh water.

Environment

They can be raised in free environments with access to pastures and grasslands. They can also thrive in semi-intensive systems, where they are allowed to graze part of the time and are provided with supplementary feed in controlled areas.

Climate

Black Angus cattle are best suited for cool to moderate climates because their solid black coat absorbs more heat, making them less comfortable in extremely hot conditions. Ideal regions for Black Angus include temperate areas with moderate summers and cold winters, such as the northern United States, Canada, and parts of Europe.

In contrast, Red Angus cattle are better adapted to hotter climates. Their lighter reddish-brown coat reflects more sunlight, helping them stay cooler in warm conditions. Suitable regions for Red Angus include areas with higher temperatures, such as Australia, South Africa, the southern United States, and parts of South America.

Shelter

Like many other cattle breeds, this one also requires shelter to protect against weather elements. In colder or temperate climates, the shelter helps shield them from heavy snow, rain, and strong winds, while in hotter climates, it protects them from the sun.

How many cattle per acre?

For one Angus cattle, 3 to 5 acres of good-quality pasture with thick forage is generally sufficient.

On poor or overused land, you may need more than 5 acres per animal. Other factors, such as climate, soil health, and pasture management, also play a role in determining space requirements

Breeding

Bulls reach puberty between 9 and 10 months of age, while cows reach it around 14 to 15 months.

Although bulls become sexually mature at this age, they are not fully ready for breeding. It is recommended to wait until they are 15 to 18 months old before using them for mating.

For cows, some farmers choose to breed them at 15 months, while others wait until they are 18 months old, depending on the cow’s overall health.

As a rule, cows should weigh about 65% of their mature weight and have a good pelvic size for easy calving during their first breeding. If you’re unsure, a vet can perform a pelvic measurement to help assess readiness. Most Angus cows give birth for the first time when they are two to three years old.

These cattle are highly fertile and typically breed through natural mating. It is a good practice to keep the breeding period between 60 to 90 days to ensure efficiency. A single bull can impregnate up to 50 cows during one breeding season.

Artificial insemination (AI) and embryo implantation can also be used, and these techniques help ensure high-quality genetics.

Both bulls and cows remain fertile for a long time, as long as they stay healthy. Bulls can continue breeding until they are 8 to 10 years old, while cows have 7 to 10 calves in their lifetime, though some may have more.

The gestation period for Angus cows is between 272 and 275 days, slightly shorter than other breeds. Calving is generally easy, with minimal need for intervention. Calves typically weigh between 68 to 81 lbs (31 to 37 kg) at birth.

Angus mothers are very good caregivers, producing enough milk to nourish their calves until weaning.

Crossbreeding

Thanks to its valuable traits, this breed is frequently used in crossbreeding programs. Common crossbreeds include:

• Angus x Hereford (Black Baldy): Known for their hardiness, fertility, and good beef quality.
• Angus x Charolais: Produces fast-growing calves with superior meat quality.
• Angus x Brahman (Brangus): Combines heat tolerance from Brahman with Angus meat quality and docility.
• Angus x Simmental: Results in higher weaning weights, increased milk production, and improved carcass quality.

Terminal vs. Maternal

Due to their superior meat qualities like marbling, tenderness, and flavor, Angus cattle are frequently regarded as a terminal breed.

Health Issues

This breed is hardy, though it is predisposed to certain genetic conditions such as dwarfism, developmental duplication, double muscling, osteopetrosis, and others. Associations worldwide actively monitor and track these abnormalities.

Why should you raise it?

Aberdeen Angus is suitable for all possibilities, whether for homesteaders, small farms, or large-scale businesses.

The list of advantages is much longer than the disadvantages, making Angus cattle an very good fit for homesteaders interested in raising livestock with minimal challenges. If raising them grass-fed, you simply need to provide adequate shelter, high-quality pasture, and a reliable water source.

For large-scale businesses, the popularity of Angus beef makes it a profitable investment. With its superior marbling, tenderness, and rich flavor, Angus beef consistently commands higher prices in the market. Programs like Certified Angus Beef (CAB) ensure premium quality standards, attracting high-end consumers and restaurants worldwide.

Additionally, these cattle adapt well to various feeding systems, whether grass-fed or grain-fed, making them suitable for different production goals. Their high fertility, easy calving, and strong maternal instincts reduce complications and improve herd efficiency, which is crucial for commercial operations.

There are multiple ways to generate income from Angus cattle:

• Beef Production: Sell premium Angus beef cuts to high-end markets, restaurants, or directly to consumers. The demand for high-quality beef ensures consistent profit opportunities.
• Breeding Stock: Sell bulls or heifers as breeding stock to other farmers. High-quality genetics from Angus cattle are always in demand.
• Calf Production (Veal): Raise Angus calves for veal, which is prized for its tenderness and fetches higher prices than standard beef. Veal production requires specific feeding and care but can yield significant profits in niche markets.
• Value-Added Products: Produce grass-fed or organic Angus beef to target niche markets, which often fetch higher prices.
• Crossbreeding Programs: Use Angus cattle in crossbreeding to improve carcass quality in other breeds and sell the offspring at a premium.

Advantages

• High-quality meat
• Good fertility and reproductive traits
• Hardiness
• Versatility: Performing well in both grass-fed and grain-fed systems
• Temperament
• Early maturity
• Great mothering skills and milk production
• Ease of calving
• High dressing percentage

Disadvantages

• Temperament challenges
• Climate sensitivity: Heat stress in Black Angus
• Genetic conditions
• Limited adaptation to harsh conditions: Performs poorly in extremely dry or nutrient-deficient areas compared to hardier breeds

References

• Growth rate^link
• Growth of male calves of the Aberdeen Angus cattle breed reared in an organic farm ^link
• Growth of female calves of the Aberdeen Angus cattle breed reared in an organic farm ^link
• Genetic Conditions (cdnangus.ca) ^link
• Genetic Conditions in Angus (angusaustralia.com.au) ^link
• American Aberdeen Association ^link
• Australian Heritage Angus ^link