What Are Black Angus Cows?

Black Angus cows descended from the Scottish Aberdeen Angus cattle breed. Well marbled, Black Angus beef requires little trimming to maintain its texture.

  1. History

    • According to Oklahoma State University, George Grant introduced this cattle breed to America when he imported four Black Angus bulls from Scotland to Kansas in 1873.

    Features

    • Black Angus bulls do not have horned heads and both genders have glossy black coats. According to the American Angus Association, female cattle have an unusually strong maternal instinct.

    Uses

    • Americans prize Black Angus cows for beef and milk production. This cattle breed also participated in crossbreeding projects to reduce the risk of difficult calving and to pass on the polled or hornless trait.

    Meat Cuts

    • According to the American Angus Association, steaks compose thirty percent of retail cuts taken from butchered Black Angus cows. Both restaurants and fast food chains serve burgers that use Black Angus ground beef.

    Geography

    • Over 300,000 Black Angus cattle were registered in the US in 2008. Montana, Nebraska and Texas house the largest number of Black Angus cattle.