The Red Angus cattle are mainly used for meat production and they originated from Scotland. As the name suggests, they are red in color and are actually selected from the population of Aberdeen Angus cattle.
The black Angus cattle are more fashionable and common than the red version. In the United Kingdom, both black and Red Angus cattle are registered in the same herd book. But they are registered as two separate breeds in the United States.
The recessive red gene is responsible for the red colored Angus cattle, and it is still producing some red animals.
The Red Angus Association of America was founded in 1954, based in Sheridan, Wyoming. Registration was conditional on meeting performance targets to create a superior breed.
The Red Angus cattle breed is now popular in countries like Australia, and is famous for it’s beef. Read more information about this breed below.
Red Angus Cattle Information
Red Angus cattle are similar in conformation to the Aberdeen Angus cattle. They have all of the characteristics of Aberdeen Angus cattle. They are medium to large in size with red colored coat.
They are naturally polled. Average live body weight of the Red Angus bulls is around 850 kg. And the cows on average weight around 550 kg.[1]
Physical Characteristics
Red Angus cattle are a medium-sized breed with a distinctive red coat color. The red coloration is caused by a recessive gene that is only expressed when both parents carry it. This means that Red Angus cattle must be bred selectively to maintain the desired coloration.
Aside from their red coats, Red Angus cattle also have a muscular build, strong legs, and a broad chest. They have small ears and a short, square muzzle. Their eyes are wide-set and have a peaceful expression, which contributes to their docile nature.
Temperament
One of the most notable characteristics of Red Angus cattle is their calm and docile temperament. They are known for being easy to handle, making them an excellent choice for both experienced and novice farmers.
Their docile temperament also makes Red Angus cattle less likely to experience stress, which can negatively impact their growth and health. They are typically very tolerant of changes in their environment and can adapt well to new situations.
Efficient Growth
When it comes to beef production, efficiency is key. Farmers want cattle that can convert feed into meat quickly and efficiently. Red Angus cattle excel in this area, as they have a high feed efficiency rate and grow quickly.
Their high feed efficiency rate means that they require less feed than other breeds of cattle to gain weight. This not only saves farmers money on feed costs but also reduces the environmental impact of cattle farming.
Because Red Angus cattle mature quickly, they can be sold for beef at a younger age, which means less time and resources are required to raise them.
Meat Quality
The meat produced by Red Angus cattle is known for its marbling, tenderness, and flavor. The marbling in the meat comes from the intramuscular fat that accumulates as the animal grows. This fat contributes to the tenderness and flavor of the meat, making it highly desirable for consumers and chefs alike.
Additionally, Red Angus beef contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining good health. Omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, improved brain function, and reduced inflammation.
Disease Resistance
Red Angus cattle have a natural resistance to many common diseases and health issues that can affect other breeds of cattle. This resistance is due to their genetics and has been selectively bred into the breed over time.
For example, Red Angus cattle are resistant to pinkeye, a bacterial infection that can cause severe eye irritation and even blindness in cattle. They are also resistant to foot rot, a bacterial infection that affects the hooves and can cause lameness.
Uses
The Red Angus cattle are noted for their superior meat. They are different in color, but their meat quality is not different from that of the Black Angus.
Special Notes
Just like the Aberdeen Angus, Red Angus cattle are also very hardy because of their native environment. They are renowned for their longevity in the herd. They are very fast growers and mature earlier.
They produce marbled meat, and the meat is also highly desired in butchers, supermarkets, restaurants, and in the home. The cows reach maturity at a young age and are highly fertile.
Unlike the Black Angus cattle which are mainly used for meat production, the Red Angus cattle are also raised for milk production. The cows have excellent milk production capabilities and have a strong maternal instinct.
In case of temperament, the Red Angus cattle are very gentle natured and it’s very easy to care for them. Review full breed profile of this breed in the following table.
| Breed Name | Red Angus |
| Other Name | Aberdeen Angus |
| Breed Purpose | Milk, Meat |
| Special Notes | Very hardy and strong, well adapted to cold climates |
| Breed Size | Medium to large |
| Bulls | Around 850 kg |
| Cows | Around 550 kg |
| Climate Tolerance | All Climates |
| Coat Color | Red |
| Horned | No |
| Milk Yield | Good |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country/Place of Origin | Scotland |
Interesting Facts about Red Angus Cattle
Red Angus cattle are known for their docile nature, efficient growth, and marbled meat, Red Angus cattle are a popular choice for those in the beef industry. Now we are going to share some interesting facts about Red Angus cattle that you may not have known before.
- Red Angus cattle originated in Scotland in the 18th century. They were later imported to North America in the early 19th century.
- Red Angus cattle are a naturally polled breed, meaning they don’t have horns.
- The red coloration of Red Angus cattle is caused by a recessive gene that is only expressed when both parents carry it.
- When Red Angus cattle are crossed with other breeds, such as Holstein or Brown Swiss, their offspring often inherit their docile temperament.
- Red Angus cattle are a medium-sized breed, with cows weighing between 1,000 and 1,200 pounds and bulls weighing between 1,800 and 2,000 pounds.
- Red Angus cattle have a high feed efficiency rate, which means they require less feed than other breeds of cattle to gain weight.
- Red Angus cattle are known for their excellent meat quality, with marbling that contributes to tenderness and flavor.
- Red Angus beef contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining good health.
- Red Angus cattle are resistant to many common diseases and health issues that can affect other breeds of cattle, such as pinkeye and foot rot.
- Red Angus cattle have a long lifespan, with some cows living up to 20 years.
- Red Angus cattle have a calm and docile temperament, making them easy to handle and less likely to experience stress.
- Red Angus cattle are typically very adaptable to changes in their environment and can thrive in a variety of climates.
- The Red Angus Association of America is the largest beef breed registry association in the world, with over 7,000 members.
- Red Angus cattle are often used for crossbreeding to improve the genetics of other breeds.
- Red Angus cattle are known for their maternal instincts and make excellent mothers, with cows producing high-quality milk for their calves.
- Red Angus cattle are often used in grass-fed beef production because of their efficient digestion of roughage.
- Red Angus cattle have been bred selectively over time to maintain their desirable characteristics, such as their red coat color and high feed efficiency rate.
- Red Angus cattle can be found in countries all over the world, including Canada, Australia, and Brazil.
- Red Angus cattle are often used in organic farming operations because they are resistant to many common diseases and health issues.
- Red Angus cattle have been known to live and thrive in harsh environments, such as high altitudes and extreme temperatures.
- Red Angus cattle have a reputation for being easy to train and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods.
- Red Angus cattle are valued for their excellent meat quality and are often used in high-end restaurants and gourmet food markets.
Tips for Raising Red Angus Cattle
Here are some tips for raising Red Angus cattle that will help you achieve success in your farming operation.
1. Choose healthy breeding stock
When starting a herd of Red Angus cattle, it’s important to choose healthy breeding stock with good genetics. Look for animals that are free from genetic defects and have a history of good health and productivity.
2. Provide adequate shelter
Red Angus cattle need access to shelter from extreme weather conditions, such as heat, rain, and wind. Providing a sturdy barn, shed or three-sided shelter can help protect them from inclement weather.
3. Ensure proper fencing
Strong and secure fencing is essential for keeping Red Angus cattle safe and confined to their designated pasture areas. Use sturdy materials such as wood or metal and make sure the fence is tall enough to prevent escape.
4. Provide clean water
Clean and fresh water should always be available to Red Angus cattle. If using a trough, make sure it is regularly cleaned and refilled.
5. Feed high-quality forage
Red Angus cattle thrive on a diet of high-quality forage, such as grass and hay. Make sure the forage is free from mold and other contaminants.
6. Supplement with grain
Depending on the age and nutritional needs of the animal, supplementing their diet with grain may be necessary. Consult with a veterinarian or nutritionist to determine the appropriate amount and type of grain to provide.
7. Practice rotational grazing
Rotational grazing involves dividing a pasture into smaller sections and rotating the cattle through each section. This helps prevent overgrazing and allows the pasture to rest and recover.
8. Monitor weight gain
Regularly monitoring the weight gain of Red Angus cattle can help ensure they are receiving adequate nutrition and staying healthy.
9. Provide minerals and supplements
Red Angus cattle require certain minerals and supplements to maintain good health. Consult with a veterinarian or nutritionist to determine the appropriate supplements for your herd.
10. Practice parasite control
Parasites such as worms can be detrimental to the health of Red Angus cattle. Implement a regular deworming schedule and practice good pasture management to reduce the risk of infection.
11. Vaccinate against diseases
Red Angus cattle should be vaccinated against common diseases, such as respiratory infections and clostridial diseases.
12. Regularly trim hooves
Regularly trimming the hooves of Red Angus cattle can prevent lameness and other foot-related issues.
13. Maintain a clean environment
Keeping the barn and surrounding areas clean and free from debris can help prevent the spread of disease and reduce the risk of injury.
14. Practice good hygiene
Practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands and wearing gloves when handling animals, can help prevent the spread of disease and reduce the risk of infection.
15. Identify animals
Proper identification of Red Angus cattle, such as ear tags or tattoos, can help keep track of individual animals and their breeding status.
16. Keep detailed records
Keeping detailed records of vaccinations, deworming schedules, and breeding history can help with herd management and improve productivity.
17. Monitor breeding season
Red Angus cattle have a breeding season from May to August. Monitoring breeding activity can help ensure successful breeding and calving.
18. Monitor calving season
The calving season for Red Angus cattle is typically in the spring. Monitoring the pregnant cows and being prepared for any complications during labor can help ensure successful calving.
19. Wean calves at the appropriate time
Weaning calves at the appropriate time can help prevent stress and maintain the health of both the cow and calf.
20. Practice safe handling
Red Angus cattle are known for their docile nature, but it’s important to always practice safe handling techniques when working with them.
21. Consult with experts
Consulting with veterinarians, nutritionists, and other experts can provide valuable advice and guidance for managing a herd of Red Angus cattle.
22. Continuously learn
Staying up-to-date with new research and best practices for raising Red Angus cattle can help improve productivity and profitability.
