What in the world is an Angus Burger?

Well.... Angus is a specific breed of cattle known for its marbled meat.

Marbling is a meat trait which means higher fat percentages within the meat which improves tenderness. Angus cattle are typically black or red and are usually of a smaller frame size than other cattle.


A Red Angus cow.
From http://brandlcattleco.com/redfemales.htm, accessed 26 May, 2011.

A Black Angus bull.
From http://www.bovin.qc.ca/en/the_quebec_beef_production/overview/main_breeds.php,
accessed 26 May, 2011

Another breed which exhibits this marbling trait are Shorthorn cattle. These cattle are also of a slightly smaller frame than average and they are often a roan colour.

A Shorthorn bull.
From http://www.showsteers.com/NAV/Sorted%20Sires/Shorthorn.htm, accessed 26 May, 2011.



To contrast this, Charolais cattle are typically larger framed cattle with red meat and that is leaner.  

A Charolais calf.
From http://www.mbfarviewfarm.com/Charolais-Cattle-Cows.htm,
accessed 26 May, 2011



That was just a brief overview of just three of the different breeds of cattle. There are actually many more breeds which, in the interests of space, I omitted. Often people will cross breed cattle in order to attempt to take advantage of the certain traits of both breeds.

I also came across a great resource today which nicely highlights the various beef cattle breeds. Check out the website http://www.bovin.qc.ca/en/the_quebec_beef_production/overview/main_breeds.php.