Hereford cattle are a widely used breed in temperate areas, mainly for beef production.
Originally from Herefordshire, England [1], they are found in the temperate parts of Australia. The breed also enjoys great popularity among ranchers in the desert American Southwest of the United States, as well as in the centre and east of Argentina and in Uruguay. Herefords made up the largest percentage of registered cows among herders in New Zealand.[2] This is a testament to the hardiness of the breed; while originating in cool, moist Britain, they have thrived in much harsher climates. The breed has adapted to a wide range of climates on nearly every continent.
Hornless variants with the polled gene are known as the Polled Herefords. Breeding horned and hornless together functions as a genetic dehorner. This is often used as an alternative to a dehorning process, which causes stress and often weight loss.
Closely related to the Miniature Hereford, the breed is known for its high-quality meat and its excellent maternal qualities. The Hereford's temperament is more docile, allowing easier handling than other cattle breeds. Its meat quality is very good, rivaling that of Angus, another "British Breed", known for 'marbling' (intramuscular fat).citation needed
The World Hereford Council is based in the United Kingdom; the Secretary General, Mrs. Jan Wills, is from New Zealand. There are currently 19 member countries with 20 Hereford societies and 7 non-member countries with a total of eight societies.
Hereford history
The Hereford breed originated in Great Britain perhaps as early as the 17th century and is still to be seen in the Herefordshire countryside today [1] and feature very prominently at agricultural shows [2],[3] & [4]. It was first raised in the United States by politician Henry Clay.
Herefords were used as the logo for the 2007 Orange County Fair (California) with the theme of Cowabunga! – The Year of Herefords, Surfers and Sand.[3]
Popular culture
Hereford cattle play a major role in the 1966 American film The Rare Breed which charts their importation from Britain into the American West during the 1880s.
A Hereford bull is the logo of Hereford United F.C., and a bull is led around the stadium prior to major football matches.
Hereford cattle feature prominently in the work of contemporary, Hereford-based oil painter GR Vaughan.
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