In January 1972 the first Chianina × Angus calf was born on the Tannehill Ranch near King City in California USA. In 1976 the American Chianina Association established a Chiangus Register. By 1993 Chiangus had won more steer championships than had most other 100-year-old registered beef cattle breeds in their entire existence. The exceptional rise of Chiangus in the USA has now reached a point of all but total dominance of the major steer shows throughout the country.
A similar trend has emerged in Australia over the past several years:
The breed can be adapted to any breeding situation. The type and confirmation can be varied depending on the percentage of the bloodlines. The foundation cattle must either be full blood or upgraded Chianina, or straight-bred Angus. If straight-bred Angus are used as foundation animals, they do not have to be registered in the Australian Angus Herdbook. Crossbred Angus and percentage Chianina used in a Chiangus breeding program must be Chianina × Angus crosses.
When Chiangus bulls are used on cows of other breeds and crosses, an additional hybrid kick is achieved.
For further information about the Chiangus breed, contact:
The Secretary
Rose Schalk
Chianina Society of Australia
c/- ABRI
University of New England
Armidale NSW 2351
Ph: (02) 6773 2242
Fax: (02) 6772 5376
This Agfact is based on information supplied by the Chianina Society of Australia. Their contribution is gratefully acknowledged.