Which polled breed of cattle originated from horned cattle due to a genetic mutation?

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The Polled Hereford is a breed of cattle that originated from the horned Hereford breed through a genetic mutation that resulted in the absence of horns. This mutation is significant because it provides practical advantages in livestock management, such as reducing the risks of injury for both animals and handlers, as well as eliminating the need for dehorning procedures, which can be stressful for the cattle.

Polled Herefords were developed to maintain the desirable traits of the traditional Hereford cattle, such as their hardiness, good meat quality, and adaptability, while also benefiting from the polled trait. This breeding decision not only enhanced welfare but also became popular within the industry, leading to an increase in demand for polled genetics.

Other breeds mentioned, like Angus, Simmental, and Hereford, do have their unique genetic histories, but they do not specifically come from a horned breed due to a mutation that leads to polled characteristics in the same manner as the Polled Hereford.

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