STRUCTURE OF THE U. S. PEDIGREED CATTLE POPULATION*
The National Pedigreed Livestock Council has released data from their member organizations. The 15 largest beef cattle registries recorded at least 7500 animals. No other association registered more than 3500. Registrations of those 15 largest associations, and comparative numbers from 20 years ago, are shown below:
| BREED |
2007 Registrations |
Percentage of 2007 Total |
1987 Registrations |
Change from 1987-2007 |
|
Angus |
347,572 |
43.5 |
141,239 |
+146% |
|
Beefmaster |
18,202 |
2.3 |
35,091 |
-52% |
|
Brahman |
8,300 |
1.1 |
19,731 |
-58% |
|
Brangus |
25,097 |
3.1 |
27,755 |
-10% |
|
Charolais |
74,569 |
9.3 |
36,045 |
+107% |
|
Chianina |
9,270 |
1.2 |
9,397 |
-1% |
|
Gelbvieh |
36,222 |
4.5 |
16,429 |
+120% |
|
Hereford 1 |
69,344 |
8.7 |
171,409 |
-60% |
|
Limousin |
37,742 |
4.7 |
48,411 |
-22% |
|
Maine-Anjou |
12,316 |
1.5 |
2,900 |
+425% |
|
Red Angus |
47,064 |
5.9 |
11,224 |
+419% |
|
Salers |
14,399 |
1.8 |
15,579 |
-8% |
|
Santa Gertrudis |
7,500 |
0.9 |
13,613 |
-45% |
|
Shorthorn |
19,700 |
2.5 |
19,557 |
+1% |
|
Simmental 2 |
52,258 |
6.7 |
76,375 |
-32% |
|
TOTAL |
779,555 |
100.0 |
644,755 |
+21% |
1-
Horned and polled2-Includes Simbrah
Angus and Red Angus together had almost 50% of registrations. Breeds with the highest percentage increases from 1987 to 2007 were Angus, Charolais, Gelbvieh, Maine-Anjou, and Red Angus, although the Maines had very low numbers 20 years ago. Breeds with the highest percentage decreases were Beefmaster, Brahman, Hereford, and Santa Gertrudis.
By functional type, the four British breeds made up 62%, the seven Continental breeds 30%, and the four Brahman/American breeds 8%. Those respective figures in 1987 were 53%, 32%, and 15%. The increase in Angus/Red Angus can be at least partly explained by the advent of high-marbling marketing programs, which may also explain some of the decrease in Brahman/American.
Purebred registrations are about two percent of the nation’s beef cow numbers, which has not changed much over the years. According to the Council’s latest report, number of cattle registered per active association member is as low as three. The larger associations generally register more per member. But even the highest figure is 28 registered per member. Most members of registry associations have little impact on the genetic base of their breed. These members are essentially propagators of the genetics created by large, influential breeders.
(Numbers from National Pedigreed Livestock Council 2007-2008 Annual Report.)
* Original Source Dr. Steve Hammack, TAMU Beef Cattle Browsing Newsletter
