Hereford Cattle

Hereford cattle are a type of cattle commonly raised for their high-quality beef.

The breed comes from Herefordshire, a region in England, and was the result of selective breeding by a few families in the mid-18th century.

They developed the breed to meet the growing demand for beef, focusing on creating cattle that were strong, easy to care for, and excellent at producing meat.

Today, Hereford cattle are popular and widely spread across the world.

They can be found in countries like the United States, Australia, South America, and many parts of Europe.

Characteristics

Some of the specific characteristics that make these cattle easily recognizable are their traditional color and markings, along with their size and lifespan. These traits play a significant role in making them highly valued in the cattle industry.

Color

They have a reddish-brown body with a white face, which is one of their most recognizable features.

The white color also extends to their dewlap, underbelly, and sometimes their legs and tail switch.

This traditional color pattern is consistent across the breed and contributes to their unique and easily identifiable appearance.

Skin and Hair Coat

Their skin is thick and pink beneath their coat.

The hair coat is sleek and smooth, giving them a clean and well-groomed appearance.

Early hair shedding in summer is a highly valued trait in Hereford cattle. These features show that the cattle are thriving in their environment, have a good diet, and are functioning well hormonally and metabolically.

Moreover, pigmentation of the hide and hair helps protect against radiation, especially in sensitive areas like the eyes and hooves, making it an important characteristic of the breed.

Head, Eyes, Muzzle, Ears

They have a broad and strong head with a short, wide face covered in white hair, contrasting with their reddish-brown bodies.

The eyes are medium-sized, well-set, and surrounded by natural pigment that helps protect them from sun damage. The muzzle is broad and pink, with large, well-developed nostrils.

The forehead is broad and symmetrical, with large, clean nostrils.

Their ears are moderate in size, set slightly outward, and covered in short reddish-brown hair that matches the color of their body.

Horns

You can find this breed in both horned and polled types.

The horned cattle have short to medium-length horns that curve slightly downward and outward. The horns are oval with a slightly waxy texture and a grayish appearance, never dull white.

Polled cattle, on the other hand, have a prominent and well-defined poll, further distinguishing them from their horned ones.

Neck

In males, the neck and shoulders are thick, strong, and wide, showing their powerful build.

In female cattle, the neck is longer and more refined, with a sleeker appearance compared to the males.

Shoulders

The males’ shoulders are broad and have a wide, deep chest with a broad brisket area, giving them a very sturdy appearance.

In females, the shoulders are less muscular but still strong and well-shaped.

Chest

The chest is wide and deep, making them look strong and solid.

In males, the chest is more muscular and well-built, with a broad brisket that shows their power. Females also have wide and deep chests, but they look less heavy and more refined than males.

Back

The back is broad, sturdy, and muscular in bulls, with well-rounded ribs.

Front and Back Legs

Both front and back legs are strong, straight, and well-placed, supporting their solid and balanced frame.

The front legs are straight and sturdy, with a solid bone structure, while the back legs are powerful and muscular, set slightly wider apart to provide the cattle with balance.

Udder and Teats

The udders are fully formed and symmetrical, with teats that are of normal size and shape.

Testicles

The testicles are well-developed, perfectly symmetrical, and in normal condition.

Size

These cattle are medium to large-sized animals.

They stand at a height of 60.2 to 64.6 inches (153 to 164 cm) at the shoulder, showcasing their strong and solid build.

Their body width measures between 25.2 and 27.6 inches (64 to 70 cm), giving them a broad and sturdy appearance.

In terms of length, Herefords range from 93 to 100 inches (236 to 255 cm), which contributes to their robust and elongated frame.

Lifespan

They have a lifespan of around 15 to 20 years, which is considered a good and healthy lifespan for a beef breed.

This longevity places them in a favorable range, comparable to other breeds like Charolais and Highland cattle.

Growth Rate

How fast do they grow?

These cattle have a moderate to fast growth rate.

Calves grow steadily and reach market weight relatively quickly compared to some slower-growing breeds like Galloway. While they may not grow as fast as specialized breeds like Charolais, their growth rate is considered balanced.

The average daily gain (ADG) for Hereford cattle is typically between 1.4 to 1.8 lbs (0.64 to 0.82 kg) per day.

This growth rate depends on factors such as diet, environment, and management practices.

Weight

Bulls weigh between 2,200 and 2,300 lbs (1,000 to 1,045 kg), while cows weigh between 1,200 and 1,500 lbs (545 to 680 kg).

The birth weight of Hereford calves ranges from 70 to 80 pounds (32 to 36 kg).

Bear in mind that the birth weight can vary depending on genetics.

Slaughtered Time

You can slaughter Hereford cattle at around 18 to 24 months of age, once they reach a weight of 1,200 to 1,400 pounds (545 to 635 kg).

Cattle harvested during this period typically have the optimal balance of muscle and fat, producing high-quality, tender, and well-marbled beef. This age and weight range align with industry standards for premium beef production.

The exact timing can vary depending on feeding practices, management, and whether the cattle are raised on pasture or in a feedlot.

For example, cattle raised on a grain-based diet in feedlots often reach slaughter weight more quickly than those raised on grass.

It’s important to consider the desired quality of the beef, as slaughtering cattle too early may result in less marbling while waiting too long can lead to excess fat deposition.

Temperament

Herefords are by far the most gentle cattle, often displaying a calm and manageable temperament.

Some even say that they are more docile than Angus cattle. This gentle nature contributes significantly to their popularity.

However, like all cattle, individual behavior can vary.

Proper handling, socialization, and good management practices are essential to maintaining their calm demeanor.

Bulls, while typically more aggressive than cows, are still considered more manageable compared to bulls of some other breeds.

Meat

The meat from this breed is valued for its exceptional quality and balance, making it a popular choice for premium cuts like ribeyes and T-bones.

Known for its tenderness, juiciness, and rich flavor, it offers the perfect combination of lean muscle and marbling.

The cuts are leaner and trimmer, with less external fat and more red meat, appealing to those seeking healthier yet flavorful options. Despite its leanness, the marbling ensures the meat remains juicy and tender, making it ideal for various dishes, from everyday meals to special occasions.

The texture is typically smooth and tender, which makes it perfect for grilling, roasting, or slow cooking.

The breed is also recognized for its excellent carcass weight and ribeye area, producing more usable cuts with fewer trimmings.

This efficiency is not only beneficial for farmers but also contributes to its popularity in the market.

Additionally, the meat consistently achieves superior dress-out percentages, reflecting its ability to deliver high-quality products.

The cattle’s diet of grazing on green pastures plays a significant role in enhancing the flavor and boosting the nutritional profile, including increasing omega-3 content.

This adds to both the taste and the health benefits of the meat.

This premium-quality meat is known worldwide and widely available through major retailers and independent sellers.

It remains a top choice for consumers who appreciate exceptional flavor, tenderness, and quality.

Raising

Feeding

These cattle are versatile and thrive on a well-balanced diet that supports their growth, health, and productivity.

They have a great feeding efficiency. They require less feed compared to some other breeds to achieve the same weight gain, making them a cost-effective choice for beef production.

• Forage (Grass and Hay)
  • They do well on pasture-based feeding, making fresh grass their main source of nutrition. This includes clover, alfalfa, and other high-quality grasses.
  • During winter or when pasture is unavailable, feed them good-quality hay to maintain their energy and nutrient levels.
• Grains (Optional)
  • Grains like corn, barley, and oats can be added to their diet to boost energy, especially for finishing cattle before slaughter.
  • Be mindful not to overfeed grains, as too much can cause digestive problems like acidosis.
• Silage
  • Corn silage or grass silage is an excellent source of energy and can be used as an alternative to hay or grains during feed shortages.
• Minerals and Vitamins
  • Provide a mineral supplement containing calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and trace minerals like selenium, zinc, and copper.
  • Salt blocks or loose salt are essential for maintaining proper hydration and mineral balance.
• Clean Water
  • Always provide fresh and clean water, as cattle require large amounts of water for digestion and overall health.

As a general rule for feeding hay during the cold season, if you’re unsure how much to provide, you can use the guideline of feeding 2% of the animal’s body weight per day.

Also, try to always:

• Monitor weight and condition: Adjust feed according to their growth stage, activity level, and overall condition. For example, for young or lactating cattle, additional protein may be needed.
• Balance diets: Overfeeding or underfeeding any component (grains, minerals, etc.) can cause health issues.

Environment

You can raise them in all types of environments, from homesteads with pasture-based systems to large commercial farms.

Climate

These cattle are highly adaptable and can be raised in all types of environments.

They perform well in moderate climates with seasonal variations, where pasture-based systems are common.

In cold climates, their thick skin and dense hair coat provide protection against cold weather.

They are known for their ability to maintain body condition even in colder conditions.

This breed is also hardy in warmer, semi-arid environments. Their ability to forage efficiently and tolerate heat makes them suitable for areas with limited water and vegetation.

Shelter

It is a good idea to provide shelter, even though they are a hardy cattle breed.

Although they handle cold climates well thanks to their thick skin and coat, providing shelter shields them from freezing rain, strong winds, and heavy snow. A basic windbreak or barn can help reduce stress and preserve their condition during harsh winter weather.

In hot, sunny environments, they need shade and plenty of water to stay cool and avoid heat stress. Shade structures, trees, or barns are effective for maintaining a comfortable body temperature.

During extended wet conditions, shelter keeps them dry and lowers the risk of hoof rot and other moisture-related issues.

How many cattle per acre?

In general, you need 2.5 to 3.5 acres of land per cattle, though the exact amount depends on factors like pasture quality, cattle size, and management practices.

For highly productive pastures with abundant forage, 2 to 2.5 acres per cattle may be sufficient.

In contrast, regions with poor grass quality or low rainfall might require 5 acres or more, and in areas with extremely low rainfall and limited forage, this could go up to 8 to 10 acres per cattle .

Management practices also influence land requirements. Keeping cattle 100% grass-fed means more pasture is needed to meet their dietary needs. On the other hand, supplementing their feed with grains or other sources can reduce the necessary acreage.

Observing your cattle, assessing pasture conditions, and adjusting accordingly is crucial to ensure their nutritional needs are met.

Breeding

Breeding Herefords is straightforward and manageable for most farmers.

They become ready for breeding at around 15–18 months of age, depending on their growth and condition.

They should ideally weigh at least 65–70% of their mature body weight before breeding to ensure healthy pregnancies and calving.

Due to their natural fertility, natural mating is the most common method for breeding them. Their docile temperament makes them easy to manage during natural breeding.

While less common than natural mating, artificial insemination (AI) is still used in Hereford herds to introduce superior genetics.

The gestation period is approximately 283 days, or about 9 months, which is standard for most cattle breeds.

Ease of calving is truly their superpower. These cattle almost never require intervention during birth. Their natural ability to deliver calves smoothly and without complications makes them one of the most reliable breeds for breeding operations.

The cows produce enough milk to feed their calves, though their milk yield is moderate compared to even other beef breeds. They are known for being excellent mothers. They have strong maternal instincts, are protective of their calves, and generally provide good care throughout the nursing period.

Terminal or Maternal

Hereford cattle are known for being useful in both maternal and terminal roles, which makes them a flexible choice for farmers.

Farmers can raise them as breeding cows to create strong herds or take advantage of their beef traits to produce calves with desirable meat quality.

Health Issues

They can be prone to the following health issues:

Why should you raise it?

A&D

Advantages

• Hardy and Adaptable: Thrive in various climates, from cold to semi-arid regions.
• Good Temperament: Calm and docile.
• Efficient Feed Conversion: Gain weight effectively on both pasture and grain-based diets.
• High-Quality Meat: Well-marbled, tender, and flavorful beef.
• Maternal Traits
• Longevity: Long productive lifespan.
• Low Maintenance: Require minimal care.
• Global Popularity: Widely recognized and accepted in beef markets worldwide.

Disadvantages

• Average Milk Production: Produce less milk compared to some beef breeds.
• Maintenance of Coat and Eyes: Requires extra attention in areas with intense sun or high fly populations.
• Genetic Health Concerns: Rare genetic conditions like idiopathic epilepsy can occur in some lines.
• Susceptible to Pink Eye: More prone to eye infections due to their white faces.

References

• Idiopathic epilepsy in cattle ^link
• MSUD Explained ^link
• Eye cancer ^link