Black Baldy

The Black Baldy is a type of cross-bred beef cattle. It is traditionally produced by crossing Hereford bulls on Aberdeen Angus cows.

These cattle are commonly reared in Australia and New Zealand. In North America, the term Black Whiteface is also used in some regions.

Characteristics
The Black Baldy is traditionally produced by crossing Hereford bulls with Aberdeen Angus cows. The reverse cross, of Angus bulls on Hereford heifers, may also be employed in an attempt to produce smaller calves and thus reduce dystocia during birth.

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. The skin is black, which in sunny climates can reduce the prevalence of sunburn on bare skin, such as the udder of the cow.

Black Baldy calves exhibit heterosis (hybrid vigour), and may be healthier and faster-growing than comparable purebred stock. Black Baldy cows may reach sexual maturity sooner and have increased fertility.

Use
The Black Baldy is reared for beef. Cows may be mated to a bull of a European beef breed, to produce a heavier, better-muscled and faster-growing calf.

In Britain and Ireland a similarly-marked cross-breed, the Black Hereford, results from crossing Hereford bulls on predominantly black-coloured dairy cows.