Hanwoo facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Hanwoo

Conservation status	FAO (2007): not at risk
Other names	Hanu Korean Brown Korean Native
Country of origin	Korea
Use	formerly draught, now meat
Traits
Weight	Male: 466 kg Female: 355 kg
Height	Male: 124 cm Female: 117 cm
Coat	brown
Horn status	horned in both sexes
Notes
taurus
Cattle Bos primigenius

The Hanwoo (Korean: 한우), also called Hanu or Korean Native, is a type of small cattle. These cows are originally from Korea. Long ago, people used them as working animals to pull carts or plows. Today, they are mostly raised for their delicious meat. The Hanwoo is one of four native Korean cattle breeds. The others are the Chikso, the Heugu, and the Jeju Black.

History of Hanwoo Cattle

Hanwoo cattle were traditionally used for farm work. They helped farmers with tasks like plowing fields. Before the 1960s, people did not raise them much for meat. But as the economy of South Korea grew, things changed.

In 1968, a special record book was started for Hanwoo cattle. This book helps keep track of their family lines. Since then, Hanwoo beef has become a very special product. It is known for its high quality.

The FAO said in 2007 that Hanwoo cattle were "not at risk." This means there were enough of them. In 2003, there were about 1.24 million Hanwoo cattle. By 2014, this number grew to about 2.67 million.

Scientists have studied the genes of Hanwoo cattle. In 2010, a study showed they are closely related to other cattle breeds like the Holstein. These are known as taurine cattle. The studies also showed that Hanwoo cattle are different from indicine cattle, like the Nellore. This means Hanwoo cattle have their own unique genetic background. They form a special group with the Yanbian breed from China.

What Makes Hanwoo Special?

The Hanwoo is a small type of cattle. They have a brown coat. Both male and female Hanwoo cattle have horns.

Female Hanwoo cows are good mothers. They take good care of their calves. However, they do not produce much milk. A cow might give a little over 400 liters of milk in about 170 days. Hanwoo cattle often eat rice straw as their main food. This gives them the fiber they need.

There is also a very rare white type of Hanwoo. People started breeding these white cattle in 2009. By 2014, there were only 14 of them. This white variant is even listed as a separate breed.

How Hanwoo Beef is Used

Hanwoo beef is very popular in Korean cuisine. Even though it costs more, many Koreans prefer it. They say it is usually fresher and tastes better than cheaper imported beef. People describe Hanwoo beef as very tasty and good to chew.

Koreans see Hanwoo beef as an important part of their culture. It is one of the best quality beefs in the world. People use it in traditional meals and for special holiday dishes. It is also a popular gift for special occasions.

Hoengseong County is a famous place for raising Hanwoo cattle. The area's environment is perfect for cattle farming. This county started a smart plan to make its beef well-known. They sell their meat as a "premium product." This means it is seen as very high quality.

Gallery

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  Cow ploughing the fields

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  Extremely marbled hanu beef (한우소고기)

See also

In Spanish: Hanu para niños