Most Angus cattle do not have horns. This characteristic, known as being “polled,” is a defining feature of the breed, a result of extensive selective breeding over many generations. While the vast majority of Angus cattle are naturally hornless, understanding the underlying genetics and historical context reveals why this trait is so prevalent today.
The Polled Trait in Angus
The absence of horns in Angus cattle is due to a naturally occurring genetic characteristic called the polled trait. This trait is inherited in a dominant manner, meaning that only one copy of the polled gene is needed for an animal to be born without horns. The polled gene in Angus is specifically the Celtic polled variant (Pc).
Breeders have actively selected for this dominant gene. If a bull carries two copies of the polled gene (homozygous polled), all of its offspring will be hornless, regardless of the dam’s horned status. If a bull carries one polled and one horned gene (heterozygous polled), approximately half of its calves will be polled. This understanding of Mendelian inheritance has allowed breeders to consistently propagate the polled trait, making it a hallmark of the Angus breed.
Understanding Horned Angus
While the breed is predominantly polled, some Angus cattle can still possess horns. This typically occurs when both parents contribute the recessive horned gene. Although rare within purebred Angus populations today, the horned allele can still exist at a low frequency. Horned individuals may also appear if Angus cattle are cross-bred with other horned breeds.
Historically, the original cattle from which the Angus breed developed in 18th-century Scotland were a mix of both horned and polled animals. Early breeders like Hugh Watson and William McCombie began selecting for hornless animals. The presence of horns in modern purebred Angus is an exception, not the rule, reflecting centuries of targeted genetic selection.
Practical Benefits of Polled Cattle
The widespread adoption of the polled trait in Angus cattle offers several practical advantages for both the animals and producers. A key benefit is enhanced safety for cattle handlers and other animals within the herd. Horned cattle can inadvertently cause injuries to each other, leading to bruising, hide damage, or more serious harm.
Naturally hornless cattle eliminate the need for dehorning procedures. Dehorning can be a stressful and labor-intensive process for calves, potentially leading to discomfort, reduced weight gain, and a risk of infection.
Breeding polled cattle reduces management demands, saves time and costs associated with dehorning, and promotes better animal welfare. The absence of horns also allows for more efficient use of space in crowded environments like barns and feeding areas.