Polled Hereford By: Drew Peach Table Of Contents • • • • • • • • Originated Description Desirable Traits Body Shape Performance Top Animal Diseases and genetic problems References Originated • The Polled Hereford began in the U.S. The first know that was recorded was in Kentucky in 1816. In 1898 the first serious breeding program started. To this date there has been 5.5 million Polled Herefords registered. Description • They are medium framed cattle with distinctive red body color. The head, front of the neck, brisket, the underside, and the switch are white. They have well developed fore-quarters, a deep brisket, broad head and stocky legs. They are generally docile and fast growing cattle. Desirable Traits • Outstanding beef-producing characteristics • Naturally hornless Body Shape • • • • • Soundness Large feet Good movement No post legs or open shoulders Coat quality and thickness of hides Performance • Used for breeding • Used for meat Top Animal Diseases and Genetic Problems • Hairless at birth • Reduced red blood cell production causing death before 6 months • Beta-man. It’s a defective enzyme that causes calves to never get up and they will die • Fusion of two toes on a foot References • http://www.slanker.com/bulls/19fc2560.gif • http://cattle-today.com/poll_hereford.htm • http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/cattle/po lledhereford/index.htm • http://www.animal.ufl.edu/extension/beef/sh ortcourse/1992/DOUGLASS.PDF • http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livesto ck/beef/facts/93-007.htm#GENETIC The End