| Term | Definition |
| English breeds (maternal traits) | Angus, Red Angus, Hereford, Shorthorn |
| continental breeds (terminal traits) | Charolais, Gelbvieh, Limousin, Simmental |
| heat-tolerant breeds (subtropically adapted) | Brahman, Senepol, Longhorn |
| composite breeds (hybrids) | Brangus, Braford, Beefmaster, Santa Gertrudis |
| Angus | · solid black in color
· maternal traits and carcass
· good temperament, good mothers, good look
· most prominent breed in USA |
| Hereford | · red in color with white points on face, body
· survivability and crossbreeding (carcass traits)
· polled or horned |
| Hereford x Angus -> Black Baldy | · black in color with white on face, body
· lower survivability in deep south due to hot weather and disease spread |
| Red Angus | · solid red in color
· slick gene from Senepol for heat tolerance |
| Shorthorn | · red, white, combo, or roan in color
· maternal and carcass qualities
· dual purpose breed: meat and milk |
| Charolais | · light tan to cream white in color
· terminal breed: growth and carcass characteristics |
| Gelbvieh | · golden to rust/black in color
· growth and maternal traits |
| Limousin | · various shades of red to brown and black in color
· growth traits
· very long body |
| Simmental | · tan to red to black, solid or with white face/patches
· growth and maternal traits
· beef breed, but colors/patterns may be confused with dairy breeds |
| Brahman | · red to gray and black in color
· heat and insect tolerance, disease resistance - can thrive in harsh environments
· popular in crossbreeding systems and southern US |
| Senepol | · various shades of red in color
· heat tolerance from slick coat gene, early maturing, survivability |
| Texas Longhorn | · many colors and patterns including spotted
· survives in harsh environments
· low birth weight |
| Brangus | · 3/8 Brahman, 5/8 Angus
· black/red in color
· maternal and carcass traits, heat tolerant
· large, low ears |
| Braford | · 3/8 Brahman, 5/8 Hereford
· red and white in color (looks like Hereford)
· maternal traits and heat tolerance
· excellent mothers - may be too protective |
| Hereford x F1 (50/50) Brangus -> Super Baldy | · black/rusty red with white face/points
· heat and disease resistant
· calm disposition, good mothers |
| Santa Gertrudis | · 3/8 Brahman, 5/8 Shorthorn
· solid red in color
· heat tolerant
· maternal and carcass traits |
| Beefmaster | · 1/2 Brahman, 1/4 Shorthorn, 1/4 Hereford
· multicolored - red, white, tan, black, mottled
· heat tolerant
· maternal and carcass traits |
| Corriente cattle | · black, white, spotted patterns
· primarily used in rodeo events today
· very small |
| Florida Cracker cattle | · red/black/white, some brindle
· also small |
