Early history
Cattle were brought to New Zealand in the early 1800s by the first European settlers, to provide milk, draught power, meat, horn and hides. They also played in important role in breaking down bush and scrub during pasture development.
The Durham Shorthorn and the Red Devon were the first breeds to be used as the steers made ideal oxen, but as the population increased and farming developed, other specialised beef and dairy breeds were imported.
New Zealand was alert to the scourge of Foot & Mouth disease, so only imported cattle from countries where the disease was not endemic such as Britain. Beef cattle numbers were slow to develop till the invention of refrigeration in 1880, afte which time frozen and chilled beef became important exports. However it was not until the 1950s with the expansion of the American hamburger meat trade that beef production in New Zealand really expanded, and most of this meat came as a byproduct from the dairy industry.
In the early days of New Zealand’s beef industry, Aberdeen Angus and Hereford cattle from Britain were numerically the most popular until the 1970s, when over 20 “exotic’ breeds arrived, mainly from Europe, primarily to cross on to the Friesian and Jersey dairy breeds.
However, because of their scarcity, they were established as studs and exported from New Zealand to other countries because of our clean animal health status. You could say that today, most of these exotic breeds have been and gone, with only a few purebred stud herds left, and the New Zealand beef industry is based mainly on the crossbred Hereford x Friesian cow or the straight Holstein Friesian for bull beef.
Performance recording
Performance recording of beef cattle in New Zealand was started in 1963 and became Beefplan in 1973. At present there are a number of alternative recording schemes breeders can use, but they all use the same basic software to produce a range of Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) which breeders use to select their stock.
New Zealand Angus
NZ Angus cows and calves
HistoryOriginated as the native breed in the East of Scotland in the 18th Century and imported into the South Island of New Zealand as the Aberdeen Angus in 1863. In 1891 it was introduced to the North Island and hase been widely used ever since as a breeding cow on all types of country. The New Zealand Aberdeen Angus Cattle Breeders’ Association was formed in 1918 and in 1970 became the NZ Angus Association Inc. to run the breed’s affairs.
Features
- Colour – all black. Some small white areas around the navel is allowed.
- Polled
- Medium size; good early growth rate; early maturing.
- Good maternal ability; low calving trouble.
- Adapted to a wide range of conditions; good forager on hill country; hardy.
- Used as a straightbred beef dam and as a crossing sire on dairy breeds.
Beef Shorthorn
Beef shorthorn steer
HistoryBred in Northern England in the last 1700s by the Colling brothers who produced both beef and dairy strains. The Scottish Beef Shorthorn developed in the early 1800s. Samuel Marsden brought the first Shorthorns to New Zealand in early 1814, and the first herd book of the NZ Beef Shorthorn Cattle Breeders’ Association appeared in 1884. The breed made a major contribution to New Zealand’s early land development. The breed’s affairs are now run by the NZ Beef Shorthorn Association Inc.
Features
- Colour – red, roan (mixture of red & white) or white.
- Polled with some horned.
- Medium size; good early growth rate; early maturity.
- Good maternal breed; good temperament; low calving difficulty.
- Adapted to wide range of conditions; good forager.
- Used as straightbred beef dam or as a crossing sire.
Galloway & Belted Galloway
Belted Galloway cow
HistoryThese breeds developed in the West of Scotland in the 17th Century and are of very ancient origin. They were imported into New Zealand in 1947 and are registered in separate sections of the Galloway Herd Book. The breed’s affairs are now run by the Galloway Cattle Society of NZ Inc.
Features
- Colour –Galloways are black, and the Belted Galloway is black with white band around middle. Both breeds can show dun or silver dun, or white coat colours as recessives.
- Both breeds polled.
- Extremely hardy breeds.
- Long outer coats and thick undercoats.
- Medium sized.
- Slow maturing, but show good early growth when well fed.
- Lean carcasses that yield well.
- Used as straightbred beef dams and as crossing sires.
White Galloway cow and calf
Hereford
Polled Hereford bull
Horned Hereford steerDeveloped in the West of England in the 18th Century and imported into New Zealand in 1869. The first her book of the NZ Hereford Cattle Breeders’ Association was published in 1899. Polled Herefords came to New Zealand from the USA in 1929 and were registered in a separate section of the Herd Book. The breed’s affairs are now run by the NZ Hereford Association Inc.
Breeders of Polled and Horned Herefords regular express the superior merits on their cattle over the others though the difference has never been scientifically proven. Wisely in New Zealand (but not in all parts of the world) both polled and horned Herefords are now entered in the same herd book.
Features
- Colour – rich red with white head and strip along the neck (not to be right along back). Underside, dewlap, legs and tail switch are white.
- Horned & polled.
- Medium size, good early growth, early maturity.
- Good maternal breed; easy calving.
- Adapted to wide range of conditions; good forager.
- Used as straightbred dam or as crossing sire, especially on Holstein Friesian dairy cows.
Hereford x Friesian cows (the Hereford white head is a dominant feature)
Red Poll
Red Poll cow and calf. Photo from website of NZ Red Poll Cattle Breeders' Assoc.
History
Developed in the early 1800s in Eastern England as a dual-purpose breed for arable areas to utilise crop by-products. Introduced into New Zealand in 1898 as a dual-purpose breed, but is now used for beef. The breed’s affairs are now run by the NZ Red Poll Cattle Breeders’ Association Inc.
Features
- Colour – dark red except for white tail switch.
- Polled.
- Medium size; good early growth, early maturing.
- Adapted to wide range of conditions; good forager, easy calving.
- Noted for longevity and docility.
- Used as straightbred beef breed.
Red Devon
NZ Red Devon bullVery old British breed originating in the West of England where it is referred to as the Devon, the Red Devon, or Red Ruby to avoid confusion with the South Devon. The breed was introduced to New Zealand in 1838 by James Busby and was used as draught bullocks, for milk, beef and hides. The first stock were registered in 18880 in a general all-breeds Herd book. The New Zealand Red Devon Association ws reformed in 1973 who now run the breed’s affairs.
Features
- Colour – dark 'ruby' red
- Horned and polled
- Medium size; good early growth, early maturing.
- Good maternal ability, easy calving and noted for docile temperament.
- Adapted to wide range of conditions; good forager; noted for longevity.
- Now classed as ‘rare breed’ in NZ.
South Devon
South Devon steers
HistoryBritain’s largest native breed, developed in the 18th Century in the West of England where it is noted for rich milk (Devon clotted cream) and tender beef. The breed was brought to New Zealand in 1970 when the South Devon Cattle Society of NZ was formed to run the breed’s affairs.
Features
- Colour – red brown (copper) or medium red.
- Horned
- Large mature size with high growth rate; heavy calves at birth.
- Quiet temperament; good maternal ability.
- Milk yield: 3500-4500 L @ 3.9% fat.
- Used extensively as terminal beef sire in NZ.
Welsh Black
Welsh Black bull losing winter coatOf ancient Celtic origin and used traditionally in Wales as a dual purpose cow for rugged conditions. Brought to New Zealand in the early 1970s with the Welsh Black Cattle Society of NZ being formed in 1974 to run the breed’s affairs.
Features
- Colour – Black; some patches of white on udder.
- Horned & polled.
- Medium size; long outer coat.
- Very hardy, easy calving, good forager.
- Good maternal ability; good temperament.
- Slow maturing, but show good early growth when well fed.
- Used as straight beef breed in NZ.
- Now classed as ‘rare breed’ in NZ.
Highland
Highland bullA very old breed which evolved in the cold wet West and North of Scotland, where is could be kept outside in winter.
Features
- Colour – gingery red
- Long shaggy outer coat and thick undercoat.
- Noted for its long horns.
- Small size, and late maturing, but when well fed shows good growth.
- Lean carcasses that yield well.
Luing
History
Developed in the West of Scotland on the island of Luing by crossing and interbreeding the Highland and Beef Shorthorn. The breed was recognised in UK in 1966 and arrived in New Zealand in 1974 when the Luing Breeders’ Cattle Society of NZ was formed to run the breed’s affairs.
Features
- Colour – varies from red to roan, golden white, cream and brindle.
- Horned & polled
- Medium size; extremely hardy, good forager.
- Good maternal ability, easy calving.
- Lean carcasses that yield well.
- Used as straightbred beef in NZ.
- Now classed as ‘rare breed’ in NZ.
Charolais
Charolais cowVery old breed from central France where the first breed society was formed in 1864 and the first herd book was published in 1887. The first Charolais semen was imported to NZ for research purposes by MAF, as a breed for crossing on to
the dairy herd. After later importations of semen and animals, the NZ Charolais Cattle Society was formed in 1968 to run the breed’s affairs.
Features
- Colour – white or creamy white
- Horned & polled
- Very large breed with prominent muscling, especially over the shoulder and rump; late maturing.
- Very good growth rate to large mature size.
- Lean carcasses that yield well.
- Calves can be large at birth.
- Good temperament.
- Used widely as terminal sire for crossing.
Limousin
Limousin bullDeveloped in the Limousin area of central France from different local races of ancient origin. The French Herd Book was established in 1886. Bulls were imported for MAF research trials in 1972 at which time the Limousin Cattle Breeders’ Society of NZ was formed to manage the breeders’ needs.
Features
- Colour – golden red with lighter shade on underside.
- Horns short & thick.
- Large size with prominent muscling; late maturing.
- Rapid early growth, good lean carcasses that yield well.
- Calves can be large at birth.
- Used as terminal sire for crossing
Blonde d’ Aquitaine
Blonde d'Aquitaine heifer
Originated in South West France from mixed races that were united in the Blond d’ Aquitaine in 1961. Imported into NZ for MAF trials in 1974. The affairs are now run by Australia New Zealand Blonde d’ Aquitane Society.
Features
- Colour – solid wheat colour with range from white to light brown. Lighter rings around eyes, muzzle and underside.
- Horns – cows have longer horns than bulls.
- Large size with prominent muscling.
- Very good growth rates to large mature size; late maturing.
- Lean carcasses that yield well.
- Calves can be large at birth.
- Used as terminal crossing sire.
Simmental
Simmental cows and calvesOriginated in Switzerland in the Simme Valley and in the mid 19th Century spread throughout the whole of Europe. Nearly have of the cattle in Europe are various types of Simmentals used for milk, beef and draught purposes. Introduced to New Zealand in 1972 by MAF for trials and then later by breeders as live animals and semen. The breed’s affairs are run by the Simmental Cattle Breeders’ Society of NZ.
Features
- Colour – varies from dark red to pale straw with varying amounts of white on body and legs. White head similar to Hereford.
- Horns
- Large size; well muscled.
- Good growth rate to large mature size; late maturing.
- Calves can be large at birth.
- Used for beef as a terminal sire and to produce crossbred dams.
- Milk yields – 4500 litres @ 4% fat.
- Lean carcasses that yield well.
- Quiet temperament.
Belgium Blue
Belgium Blue cowOriginated in central and upper Belgium and were produced by crossing the local red-pied and black-pied cattle with English Shorthorn from 1850-1890. There are some suggestions that Charolais was introduced in the 19th Century. The breed was formally recognised in the 20th Century with a strain for meat and one for milk. Selection now is primarily for beef. The breed’s affairs are run by the Belgian Blue Cattle Society of NZ.
Features
- Colour – white, blue roan or black.
- Massive muscling, double muscling causing protruding hind quarter.
- Late maturing, high growth rate; large mature size.
- Calves are very large at birth in both purebreds and in cows they are mated to.
- Imported to New Zealand in 1980s as terminal sire for dairy cows.
Italian White breeds
Piedmontese heifer
Romagnola bullThree Italian breeds, Chianina, Chiangul, Marchiagiana, Romagnola and Piedmontes are of ancient origin and were developed for draught, meat and milk- in that order. These breeds were brought to NZ in 1974. Initially they were under one Breed Society but some are now separate.
NZ Chianina Cattle Breeders Society Inc, NZ Chianina Cattle Breeders Society Inc, NZ Romagnola Society, Marchigiana Breeds Society has been formed.
No other Breed Societies are listed.
Features
- Colour – white to grey, some with black points.
- Horned
- Large mature size; well muscled.
- Chianina is the largest breed in the world.
- High growth rate and lean carcass that yield well.
- Calves large at birth, but Chianina noted for ease of calving.
- Used as terminal crossing sires.
Murray Grey
Murray Grey bullOriginated in the upper Murray River region in Australia from crosses between Angus and Shorthorn in 1905. The breed became popular and an Australian Breed Society was formed in 1962. Cattle were imported to New Zealand and the breed’s affairs are now run by the NZ Murray Grey Beef Cattle Society Inc.
Features
- Colour – silver, silver grey, light and dark grey, or dun.
- Polled
- Medium size, good early growth, early maturing.
- Good maternal ability, easy calving, quiet temperament.
- Adapted to wide range of conditions; good foragers.
- Used as straight beef breed or as terminal sire.
Wagyu
This breed was imported from Japan to produce beef specifically for export to that country. Wagyu beef is noted in Japan for the famous 'Kobe' beef which has large quantities of intramuscular fat producing plenty of 'marbling'. The New Zealand Wagyu Breeders Association Inc looks after breeders' needs.
Sussex
Originated in the South of England as a dual purpose breed for mixed farming operations. They are now used as a beef breed and were imported into New Zealand in the mid 1970s. Since 1975 the breed’s affairs are now run by the Sussex Society. In New Zealand, the breed is now considered to be a ‘rare breed’.
Lincoln Red
Developed in Eastern England’s arable area as a dual purpose breed called the Lincoln Red Shorthorn. The first Breed Society was formed in 1894 as previously they had been registered with other Shorthorns. In 1960 the word ‘Shorthorn’ was dropped. Lincoln Red cattle were imported into New Zealand in 1972 and are now classed as a ‘rare breed’. No Breed Society is listed.
Dark red in colour, polled & horned, medium size, good maternal ability, very adaptable. Used as straight bred.
Braham
Native to the Indian sub continent (Bos inducus as opposed to Bos taurus), and has been used widely in hot dry countries to develop new breeds and strains. It’s main physical features are the shoulder hump, large loose penile sheath and long drooping ears, all claimed to increase surface area to assist body cooling. Noted for tick resistance as well as heat resistance. Quiet temperament when reared with people but not in range conditions where they are handles infrequently. White or grey is the predominant colour. No Breed Society is listed.
Brangus
Developed on the USA in the 1930s from a 3/8 Braham and 5/8 Angus. They are all-black in colour and show many characteristics of the Braham. Were imported to New Zealand in the 1970s to be used as a terminal sire. No Breed Society is listed.
Santa Gertrudis
Santa Gertrudis cowsThe cattle are a dark red colour with small horns, and show some of the Braham high shoulder and penile sheath. They have been used in New Zealand as a straightbred for beef and as terminal sires.
Sahiwal
Sahiwal bull
Taurindicus heifers bred for exportMaine Anjou
Developed in North West France from local strains about 1830 and recognised as a separate breed in 1925. Bulls were imported into New Zealand by MAF for trials in 1972. They are red and white in colour with some roan, are large well-muscled cattle with high growth rates. They are heavy boned and calves are large at birth. Used as terminal sire. The breed’s affairs are run by the NZ Maine Anjou Cattle Society.
Meusse-Rhine Issel (MRI)
Developed in Holland in the early 1900s as a dual purpose breed. Cattle are various shades of red with white areas. Very docile cattle with good dairy production (4500 Litres @ 4% fat). Large frame with good growth rates when used as a beef terminal sire in New Zealand. No Breed Society is listed.
Wagyu
Developed in Japan as a breed to produce their high quality ‘Kobe’ beef under indoor feedlot conditions. They were brought to New Zealand to establish the breed to produce beef to export to Japan by crossbreeding on to Holstein Friesian dairy cows. The affairs of the breed are managed by the NZ Wagyu Breeders Association Inc.
Salers
Red Salers heiferMainly red in colour but also black, early maturing and good growth. Breed affairs are managed by the NZ Salers Society.
Gelbvieh
Gelbveigh steer
Pronounced (Gelf fee)Originated in Bavaria in Southern Germany in the late 18th and 19th Centuries, as a dual purpose breed and also used for draught. They were imported into NZ as beef terminal sires in the 1970s. Golden yellow or reddish in colour, but black coat colour is also possible. Medium size, horned or polled, adaptable to wide range of conditions. In NZ breed affairs are run by the Gelbvieh Cattle Breeders Society of NZ Inc.Shaver
Development began in 1959 by Dr Donald Shaver in Canada, stabilised in 1985 from a mixture of breeds including the British Galloway, Highland, Red Devon, South Devon and Lincoln Red, and the European Gelbvieh, Salers, Blonde d’Aquitane and Maine Anjou. The ‘breed’ is now classed as a ‘composite’ and was brought to NZ in 1990. Control of the breed is under Shaver Beef NZ.
Miniature Hereford
These are genetically small Herefords (not dwarfs) and have all the qualities of Hereford cattle. Miniature Herefords originated in Texas in the 1930s. Embryos were imported into New Zealand from Canada and live animals from Australia in 1997 to establish the first breeding stock in New Zealand.
Miniature Herefords are pure Hereford and have to pass the strict criteria of the NZ Hereford Association and also to date have been registered with the Aust. & NZ Miniature Hereford Cattle Association. They are very popular on small farms and lifestyle blocks in New Zealand.
Lowline
LowlineDexter
Dexters are a hardy breed of small mountain cattle, originally derived from the Celtic Kerry cattle of ancient Ireland. They are the smallest British breed of cattle and have proven to be a popular beef cow for small farms and lifestyle blocks in New Zealand. The coat is usually black, but it can be red or dun. The first Dexter cattle were imported to New Zealand in 1999 and the breed’s affairs are run by the Dexter Cattle Society New Zealand Inc.
Texas Longhorn
Texas Longhorn cowThe remnants of the old English Longhorn breed that were first to arrive in the pioneering days of the USA. They provided beef off the primitive early pastures of the prairies. The breed did a similar job in other challenging environments of Africa and Australia, and their long horns made them very useful as draught bullocks and to break down scrub. The breed has retained it's small to medium size and hardiness. It's a popular breed for rodeo roping and bulldogging because of its long horns and is now in the rare breeds class.
Pinzgauer
Pinzgauer heifer
Pinzgauer
Pinzgauer heiferThis old red and white breed is descended from the red native cattle of Bavaria, originally bred for meat as draught animals, but were also kept to provide milk. Of quiet temperament they have all the features needed in a dual purpose cow. The white band down the back is called 'finching' and is similar to that in Herefords. A few purebred herds were established in New Zealand in the 1990s from imports. Now classed as a Rare Breed.
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