1. Charolais: Originating in France, Charolais are known for their large size, white coat, and high muscle-to-bone ratio. They are popular for beef production.
2. Limousin: Also from France, Limousin cattle are a red-haired breed with a good beef yield. They are known for their calm temperament.
3. Simmental: From Switzerland, Simmental cattle are a dual-purpose breed, known for both their meat and milk production. They are often a reddish-brown color with white markings.
4. Chianina: This Italian breed is known for its massive size, often being the largest breed of cattle in the world. They are white with black skin and have a high lean meat content.
5. Hereford: While originating in England, the Hereford is often considered a Continental breed due to its widespread presence in North America. They are known for their distinctive red body and white face markings.
It's important to note that the term "Continental" for cattle breeds can be somewhat ambiguous. There are also breeds from other continents that are frequently raised in North America.