Black Baldy

The Black Baldy is a type of

Hereford bulls on Aberdeen Angus cows.^[1]

These cattle are commonly reared in Australia [2]^: 190 and New Zealand. In North America, the term Black Whiteface is also used in some regions.^{[citation needed]}

Characteristics

The Black Baldy is traditionally produced by crossing

dystocia during birth.^[3]

^: 256

The first-generation calves from this cross uniformly exhibit the three principal dominant traits of the parent breeds – the polled (hornless) characteristic and the black coat of the Angus, and the white face of the Hereford. If first-generation Black Baldies are then bred together, the resulting calves are highly variable.^[4]^: 107 The skin is black, which in sunny climates can reduce the prevalence of sunburn on bare skin, such as the udder of the cow.^{[citation needed]}

Black Baldy calves exhibit heterosis (hybrid vigour), and may be healthier and faster-growing than comparable purebred stock.^[3]^: 256 Black Baldy cows may reach sexual maturity sooner and have increased fertility.^[2]^: 190

Use

The Black Baldy is reared for beef.^[3]^: 256 Cows may be mated to a bull of a European beef breed, to produce a heavier, better-muscled and faster-growing calf.^[2]^: 190

In Britain and Ireland a similarly-marked cross-breed, the

Black Hereford, results from crossing Hereford bulls on predominantly black-coloured dairy cows.^{[citation needed}

]