Polled Hereford
The Polled Hereford is the naturally hornless form of the Hereford beef breed, carrying the familiar red body, white face, white underline, and white switch without the horns of traditional Herefords. It originated in the United States in the early twentieth century through selection of hornless Hereford cattle, and polled genetics are now common in Hereford populations around the world. In many registries, horned and polled Herefords are closely linked or recorded within the same broader breed, with breeders selecting for both type and performance.
Ranchers use Polled Herefords as purebred beef cattle and in crossbreeding programs where the whiteface, maternal ability, and moderate frame are useful. The absence of horns reduces dehorning work and lowers the risk of bruising or injury in groups, though cattle still need calm handling and sturdy facilities. Breeding plans may include testing or pedigree work to identify homozygous polled animals. Practical selection should also consider pigment around the eyes, sound feet, udder quality, calving ease, and performance on the forage available in the herd's climate.
Colors: Belted, Black, Black and White, Blaze Faced, Blue Roan, Brindle, Brockle Faced, Brown, Brown and White, Dun, Gray, Grey, Highbelt, Highpark, Lineback, Mottled, Pied, Red, Red and White, Red Roan, Riggit, Roan, Silver, Solid Black, Solid Red, Solid White, Speckled, Spotted, White, White Faced, Yellow
