The Ideal Miquiline Hereford

Colour on Hereford

1) white face
2) pigmentation on eyelid allowed, but no patches - that is a sign of mixed blood
3) white on the shoulders
4) white on the tummy
5) white neck no rednecks
6) white on the legs could go to the knees
7) white tail
8) the rest of the body can be brown or red brown to dark brown

The Herefords are one of the most highly adaptable breeds of cattle in the world. They can be found, in desert-like conditions like that in Arizona, in tropical climates like that in Brazil and Uruguay, on rough terrain and vegetation like that in South Africa, or on wet and cool climates like the place where they originated from; Great Britain. A Hereford’s thick hide, light-and-dark coat color, and ability to live off of grass and hay alone, make it able to adapt so readily to the different climates it lives in. Herefords are known for their great temperament and docility (though there can be some crazy ones too), and because they require little management in terms of feeding, are one of the best breeds to raise on ranch or range-like conditions where most cows are selected to be able to fend for themselves most of the time.

It has been documented that Hereford genetics maximize the value of a cow herd by leveraging its fertility, feed efficiency, profitability and docility to the producer’s advantage.

Calves are to be strong and healthy at birth and they should attain desirable weaning weights. This indicates milking ability of the dam as well as the inherent growth ability of the calf. The latter is inherited in equal proportions from the sire and the dam.

Hereford Horned: The horns are oval and bend slightly down with a waxy texture and of greyish appearance but never dull white.

The forehead of the Hereford is wide and symmetrical with the nostrils big and clean. The eyes are alert but not prominent and set well apart under a strong brow.

The docile Hereford temperament is carried over to their progeny which results in a better quality beef, better feed conversion and less injuries in the feedlots. Management become less of a burden.

Mature Hereford cows are expected to calve annually, without assistance and to produce and rear strong and healthy calves.

The Hereford is a fast growing, fertile beef breed of distinctive colour and markings.

The Hereford seeks its excellence in total functional efficiency. Conformation in the breed is important in the sense that certain anatomical features are directly related to functional efficiency and economically viable traits. Amongst these traits the traditional colour and markings and the general conformation of the breed present the Hereford as a unique producer of beef and an excellent selling product.

The Hereford breed is renowned for producing naturally marbled beef which is succulent and full of flavour.

To improve fertility and growth ability Hereford cattle are required to be fit and functionally efficient. This entails the ability to walk comfortably and with rhythm and ease even over long distances. Sound legs and feet and a strong back are highly desirable for these purposes.

At last we know what is a medium frame; frame 4 to 5.8 with frame 5 as the ideal frame. Usually these frame sizes outweigh the larger frames at 24 to 30 months.

The ideal weight is 600kg to 650kg for cows and 1000kg plus for bulls. The photos below show the ideal phenotype.