The predominant coat attribute of the Angus breed, a well-liked kind of beef cattle, is a stable, darkish pigment. This pigmentation extends to the pores and skin and hair, leading to a uniformly darkish look throughout the animal’s physique. Whereas variations can happen, the defining trait of the breed is its constantly darkish coloration.
This constant pigmentation has been a key issue within the Angus breed’s widespread recognition and business success. The uniformity simplifies breeding choice for colour traits, contributing to predictable offspring look. Moreover, the darkish coat might provide some protecting advantages towards solar publicity in sure environments. Traditionally, the predictability in look allowed breeders to deal with different fascinating traits, equivalent to meat high quality and environment friendly development.
Subsequently, understanding the attribute coat colour serves as a basic side of breed identification and contributes to appreciating the Angus breed’s genetic consistency and business worth.
1. Strong black coat
The attribute stable black coat is essentially the most visually defining trait of the Angus breed and is intrinsically linked to answering the query, “what colour is a black angus cow.” It represents a powerful genetic marker and a defining attribute of the breed commonplace.
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Genetic Predominance
The stable black coat in Angus cattle outcomes from a dominant gene. Which means that even a single copy of the black coat gene will usually consequence within the animal expressing the black phenotype. This genetic dominance contributes to the excessive prevalence and consistency of the black coat inside the breed.
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Breed Normal and Registration
Breed associations, just like the American Angus Affiliation, typically stipulate the stable black coat as a requirement for registration. Whereas pink Angus cattle exist resulting from a recessive gene, they’re thought of a separate breed and can’t be registered as black Angus. This reinforces the stable black coat’s significance as a breed identifier.
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Industrial Worth and Shopper Notion
The constant black coat colour of Angus cattle has develop into a recognizable image of high quality beef within the market. Shoppers typically affiliate black hides with Angus beef, making a desire for cattle with this attribute. This notion impacts the market worth of Angus cattle and their beef merchandise.
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Impression on Breeding Practices
The will to keep up the stable black coat has formed breeding practices inside the Angus breed. Breeders prioritize choice for this trait, making certain its continued dominance. This selective breeding contributes to the uniformity of look inside the breed.
In abstract, the stable black coat is excess of only a superficial characteristic. It’s a product of particular genetic elements, a cornerstone of breed requirements, a driver of business worth, and a major affect on breeding practices. Subsequently, it’s essential when describing the defining traits of the Angus breed and answering the query of “what colour is a black angus cow.”
2. Darkish pores and skin pigment
The darkish pores and skin pigment noticed in Angus cattle is inextricably linked to the animal’s total darkish coloration, and subsequently basic in answering “what colour is a black angus cow.” This pigmentation, ensuing from the presence of melanin, extends past the hair coat and permeates the pores and skin itself. This characteristic shouldn’t be merely beauty; it performs a crucial position in defending the animal from the dangerous results of ultraviolet radiation. In breeds such because the Angus, the place a darkish hair coat additionally contributes to elevated warmth absorption, the underlying pores and skin pigmentation supplies a further layer of protection towards photo voltaic injury. That is notably necessary in environments with excessive daylight publicity. Circumstances of sunburn and pores and skin most cancers are considerably much less prevalent in cattle with darkish pores and skin pigment, illustrating the sensible advantage of this attribute.
The presence and depth of darkish pores and skin pigment in Angus cattle are additionally thought of when evaluating breed purity and high quality. Breed requirements typically prioritize uniform pigmentation, avoiding situations of pink or mottled pores and skin. Breeders actively choose for animals with constant and full pigmentation to keep up the breed’s distinctive look and related well being advantages. The uniformity of pores and skin pigmentation, coupled with the black hair coat, affords a visually constant look, interesting to each breeders and customers. This consistency reduces the chance of undesirable traits rising in subsequent generations, thus reinforcing the worth of the breed’s predictability.
In conclusion, the darkish pores and skin pigment shouldn’t be merely an ancillary element however a major factor of the Angus breed’s total phenotype. This characteristic affords sensible benefits when it comes to UV safety, contributes to breed consistency, and is a consider assessing breed high quality. The presence of melanin inside each the pores and skin and hair coat is thus a defining attribute inextricably linked to what defines the Angus breed’s coloration and inherent resilience to environmental stressors. Understanding the significance of the darkish pores and skin pigment clarifies a deeper understanding to “what colour is a black angus cow.”
3. Genetic consistency
Genetic consistency inside the Angus breed straight influences the predictability of its bodily traits, notably coat colour. This stability is a results of selective breeding practices spanning generations. The uniformity in genetic make-up ensures the constant expression of desired traits, most notably the stable black coat. Subsequently it performs a major position in understanding “what colour is a black angus cow.”
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Dominant Black Allele Fixation
The near-universal presence of the dominant allele for black coat colour inside the Angus genome is a direct consequence of rigorous choice. Breeders have constantly chosen animals exhibiting the stable black coat, successfully decreasing the prevalence of recessive alleles which may produce different colours. This targeted choice has resulted in a excessive diploma of homozygosity for the black coat allele, making certain that offspring reliably inherit the trait. This consistency is foundational to the breed’s id and its business attraction.
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Minimized Genetic Variation for Shade
Whereas genetic variation exists inside the Angus breed, the vary of variation affecting coat colour is intentionally restricted. Genetic testing and pedigree evaluation are employed to establish and exclude animals carrying undesirable colour genes. This proactive administration minimizes the chance of sudden coat colours showing in subsequent generations, safeguarding the breed’s attribute look and contributing to its market worth.
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Predictable Phenotype and Breeding Effectivity
The genetic consistency in coat colour interprets to a predictable phenotype, simplifying breeding administration and decreasing uncertainty for breeders. The chance of manufacturing offspring with the specified stable black coat is considerably elevated, enhancing the effectivity of breeding applications and facilitating the dependable manufacturing of animals assembly breed requirements. This predictability is a key benefit for breeders aiming to keep up the Angus breed’s defining traits and meet market calls for.
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Breed Recognition and Market Differentiation
The stable black coat, a direct results of genetic consistency, serves as a readily identifiable visible marker for the Angus breed. This distinct look contributes to model recognition and differentiation within the market. Shoppers typically affiliate the black cover with high quality beef, making a premium for Angus-branded merchandise. The constant coat colour, subsequently, represents a precious advertising asset and reinforces the breed’s business success.
In abstract, genetic consistency is a cornerstone of the Angus breed, straight impacting its defining coat colour and its business success. By way of strategic breeding practices and genetic administration, breeders have cultivated a inhabitants the place the stable black coat is reliably expressed, contributing to breed recognition, market differentiation, and environment friendly manufacturing. This uniformity supplies readability when contemplating “what colour is a black angus cow,” distinguishing it from different cattle breeds.
4. Breed commonplace
The breed commonplace for Angus cattle explicitly defines acceptable bodily traits, with coat colour being a main descriptor. This commonplace, established and maintained by breed associations, dictates that registered Angus cattle exhibit a stable black coat. The usual serves as a tangible illustration of the breed’s best phenotype and supplies breeders with a transparent goal for selective breeding. Deviation from this commonplace, such because the presence of brindle patterns or non-black coloration (excluding the separate Pink Angus breed), usually disqualifies an animal from registration and impacts its worth as a breeding prospect. Subsequently, the breed commonplace straight solutions the query, “what colour is a black angus cow,” offering a definitive and measurable criterion.
The adherence to a constant coat colour inside the breed commonplace serves a number of functions. It allows environment friendly visible identification of Angus cattle, facilitating correct record-keeping and pedigree administration. Moreover, the uniform look contributes to market recognition and shopper notion. The black coat has develop into synonymous with Angus beef high quality in lots of markets, making a model affiliation that advantages producers. Breed associations actively promote and implement the colour commonplace to keep up this market benefit and make sure the continued integrity of the Angus model.
In conclusion, the breed commonplace’s specification of a stable black coat is prime to the Angus breed’s id and business worth. This colour requirement guides breeding practices, helps visible identification, and reinforces market recognition. Consequently, understanding the breed commonplace is crucial for comprehending the defining traits of Angus cattle and straight answering the query, “what colour is a black angus cow.” The colour requirement, backed by pedigree controls and registration protocols, underlines the importance of the breed commonplace in shaping the breed’s genetic make-up and phenotypic expression.
5. Uncommon pink variants
The prevalence of red-coated Angus cattle, whereas rare, supplies an necessary counterpoint to the defining attribute of the breed: the stable black coat. Pink variants come up resulting from a recessive gene, that means that an animal should inherit two copies of this gene to precise the pink phenotype. These variants spotlight the genetic foundation of coat colour and exhibit that even inside a breed identified for its uniformity, underlying genetic range exists. Whereas not thought of “Black Angus,” these pink variants, typically termed “Pink Angus,” are acknowledged as a separate, distinct breed. Understanding their genetic origin permits for extra knowledgeable breeding selections and a deeper appreciation of the complexities governing coat colour inheritance.
The existence of pink variants influences breeding methods for each Black and Pink Angus breeders. Black Angus breeders usually cull pink calves to keep up the black coat purity inside their herds. Conversely, Pink Angus breeders particularly choose for the pink phenotype, aiming to reinforce and stabilize the trait inside their inhabitants. Genetic testing performs an more and more necessary position in figuring out carriers of the pink gene inside Black Angus herds, permitting breeders to proactively handle the chance of pink calves showing. This distinction underlines the business significance of coat colour and its direct impression on breeding practices.
In abstract, whereas the defining trait of the Black Angus breed is a stable black coat, the existence of uncommon pink variants serves as a reminder of the underlying genetic range and the ability of recessive genes. The administration of those variants by way of selective breeding demonstrates the business significance of coat colour and its position in defining breed requirements. Subsequently, understanding the genetic foundation for pink variants enhances the reply to “what colour is a black angus cow,” offering a whole image of coat colour genetics inside the Angus lineage.
6. Solar safety
Coat colour in cattle influences the absorption of photo voltaic radiation. Darker coat colours, such because the attribute black of the Angus breed, soak up the next proportion of photo voltaic radiation in comparison with lighter colours. This attribute has implications for thermoregulation and total well-being, particularly in environments with excessive photo voltaic irradiance.
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Melanin and UV Absorption
Melanin, the pigment accountable for darkish coloration in each the hair and pores and skin of Angus cattle, absorbs ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This absorption reduces the quantity of UV radiation that penetrates the pores and skin, mitigating the chance of sunburn and pores and skin most cancers. Cattle with lighter coats are extra prone to UV injury, necessitating better reliance on shade or different protecting measures. Nonetheless it must be famous that whereas the darkish coat absorbs extra UV it additionally absorbs extra warmth.
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Thermoregulation and Warmth Stress
Whereas the darkish coat supplies some safety towards UV radiation, it additionally will increase the absorption of warmth. In scorching climates, Angus cattle might expertise warmth stress resulting from elevated radiative warmth achieve. Administration methods, equivalent to offering entry to shade and water, are essential for mitigating the unfavourable results of warmth stress in these animals. The stability between UV safety and warmth load is a crucial consideration in Angus cattle administration.
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Pores and skin Pigmentation as a Protecting Issue
Past the hair coat, the pigmentation of the pores and skin itself performs a major position in solar safety. Angus cattle possess darkish pores and skin pigment, additional enhancing their resistance to UV injury. This pigmentation is a heritable trait, and breeders typically choose for animals with constant and uniform pores and skin pigmentation to make sure satisfactory solar safety for his or her offspring. In areas with intense daylight, this choice stress is especially necessary.
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Environmental Adaptation Methods
The impression of coat colour on solar safety depends on the atmosphere. In cooler climates, the elevated warmth absorption from a darkish coat could also be helpful. Nonetheless, in scorching, sunny environments, the potential for warmth stress outweighs the advantages of UV safety. Producers should implement administration methods that account for the particular environmental circumstances and the physiological traits of Angus cattle.
The connection between coat colour and solar safety in Angus cattle is complicated, involving a trade-off between UV safety and warmth load. The darkish coat and pores and skin pigmentation provide a level of safety towards photo voltaic radiation, however in addition they improve the chance of warmth stress in scorching environments. Subsequently, efficient administration practices are important for optimizing the well being and well-being of Angus cattle in numerous climates.
7. Beef High quality Indicator
The coat colour of a Black Angus cow, whereas not a direct determinant of beef high quality, serves as a major indicator inside the beef business. This affiliation arises from the breed’s established fame for producing high-quality meat. The constant choice for the stable black coat has not directly contributed to genetic enhancements associated to marbling, tenderness, and total carcass traits. Subsequently, the visible cue of a black cover often alerts to each producers and customers the potential for superior beef high quality. This connection, though not causal, influences buying selections and market dynamics. For instance, the Licensed Angus Beef (CAB) program, which units stringent high quality requirements, makes use of breed kind as a main eligibility criterion, with black-hided cattle being favored resulting from their Angus genetics. This illustrates how the looks of the animal not directly displays on shopper notion and high quality assurance.
The sensible significance of this affiliation lies in its skill to streamline the choice course of. Whereas goal measures equivalent to ultrasound and genetic testing present exact information on carcass traits, the visible evaluation of coat colour affords a available and cost-effective preliminary screening instrument. Feedlots and processing vegetation typically use coat colour as a preliminary indicator to kind cattle, directing Black Angus-type animals in the direction of applications that emphasize high quality and command premium costs. Moreover, customers typically depend on visible cues when making buying selections on the retail stage. The presence of “Angus” on a product label, typically accompanied by imagery of black cattle, alerts a stage of high quality that influences shopper preferences. This reliance on visible indicators underscores the ability of breed affiliation and its impression on market worth.
In conclusion, the hyperlink between “what colour is a Black Angus cow” and “beef high quality indicator” represents a fancy interaction between genetics, breed fame, and shopper notion. Whereas the black coat itself doesn’t assure superior beef high quality, it serves as a dependable sign of Angus genetics, that are strongly related to fascinating carcass traits. This affiliation shapes market dynamics, influences breeding practices, and guides shopper decisions. The problem lies in reinforcing the significance of goal high quality measurements whereas acknowledging the position of breed affiliation and visible cues in shaping shopper expectations and producer selections.
8. Visible Identification
The stable black coat attribute of the Angus breed supplies a readily discernible visible marker for identification. This visible attribute is crucial for environment friendly administration and business transactions inside the cattle business. The constant coloration permits for fast evaluation of breed composition and facilitates sorting and dealing with processes.
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Breed Recognition at a Look
The predominantly black cover permits for quick breed recognition within the discipline, at public sale, or in processing services. This reduces the necessity for shut inspection or reliance on ear tags for preliminary identification. Correct breed identification, facilitated by this visible cue, is essential for segregation and focused administration practices.
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Facilitating Sorting and Dealing with
Throughout sorting and dealing with procedures, the uniform coat colour simplifies the method of grouping cattle based mostly on breed kind. That is notably necessary in large-scale operations the place effectivity is paramount. The constant visible cue reduces errors and streamlines the move of animals by way of varied phases of manufacturing.
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Impression on Market Worth Evaluation
The presence of the stable black coat is usually related to Angus genetics and perceived greater high quality beef. Patrons often use this visible cue as a preliminary indicator of potential carcass traits, influencing their bidding methods at public sale. Thus, visible identification straight impacts the market worth of Angus cattle.
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Help for Traceability Applications
Whereas not an alternative choice to complete monitoring techniques, the distinct visible look of Angus cattle helps traceability efforts inside the beef provide chain. The constant coat colour helps to keep up breed integrity and facilitates the monitoring of Angus-influenced cattle by way of varied phases of manufacturing and processing.
In abstract, the attribute coat colour supplies a sensible and environment friendly technique of visible identification for Angus cattle. This visible cue simplifies administration practices, influences market worth, and helps traceability efforts inside the beef business. Understanding the connection between visible identification and coat colour is crucial for efficient administration and commercialization of Angus cattle and its merchandise.
9. Industrial Worth
The constant black coat colour of Angus cattle straight influences their business worth inside the beef business. This worth stems from a mixture of breed recognition, shopper notion, and market demand for Angus-branded beef merchandise.
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Premium Pricing for Black Angus-Kind Cattle
Livestock auctions and direct gross sales often mirror a premium worth for cattle exhibiting the stable black coat attribute of the Angus breed. This premium is pushed by purchaser expectations of superior carcass traits and the eligibility of black-hided cattle for Angus-branded advertising applications. As an illustration, feedlots typically pay a premium per pound for feeder cattle with black hides, anticipating greater returns at slaughter resulting from enhanced marbling and carcass yield. This demonstrates how coat colour, as a proxy for breed composition, straight interprets into elevated profitability for producers.
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Eligibility for Licensed Angus Beef (CAB) Program
The Licensed Angus Beef (CAB) program, a widely known commonplace for high-quality beef, requires cattle to own predominantly Angus genetics. Whereas CAB certification entails rigorous evaluation of carcass traits, the preliminary screening usually depends on visible evaluation of cover colour. Cattle exhibiting the stable black coat attribute of the Angus breed usually tend to be thought of for CAB certification, enhancing their market worth. This eligibility supplies entry to premium markets and instructions greater costs for carcasses that meet the CAB specs. Consequently, coat colour not directly contributes to the potential for elevated income by way of CAB certification.
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Shopper Notion and Model Recognition
Shoppers typically affiliate the black coat colour with Angus beef and a notion of upper high quality. This affiliation has been cultivated by way of focused advertising campaigns and the widespread availability of Angus-branded beef merchandise. The visible cue of the black cover triggers shopper recognition and influences buying selections on the retail stage. For instance, customers usually tend to choose beef merchandise labeled “Angus” when offered with choices of various high quality and worth, reflecting a willingness to pay a premium for perceived superior style and tenderness. The business worth derived from model recognition and shopper desire is a major issue within the total profitability of Angus cattle manufacturing.
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Affect on Breeding Choices and Genetic Choice
The business worth related to the black coat colour influences breeding selections and genetic choice methods inside the Angus breed. Breeders prioritize the collection of animals with the stable black coat to make sure the continued manufacturing of offspring that meet market calls for and command premium costs. This selective breeding reinforces the genetic dominance of the black coat allele and contributes to the uniformity of the breed’s look. The deal with coat colour as a commercially precious trait drives genetic progress and ensures the long-term profitability of Angus cattle manufacturing.
The affect of coat colour on business worth inside the Angus breed demonstrates the interaction between genetics, market notion, and shopper desire. Whereas different elements equivalent to carcass traits and administration practices additionally contribute to the general worth of beef cattle, the visible cue of the stable black coat stays a strong indicator that shapes each producer and shopper selections.The continued pursuit of this coat colour, subsequently, enhances the place of the Angus breed within the broader beef business.
Continuously Requested Questions
The next questions deal with widespread inquiries concerning coat colour inside the Angus breed, offering definitive and factual solutions.
Query 1: Is the coat colour of an Angus cow all the time black?
The predominant and defining coat colour of the Angus breed is stable black. Nonetheless, red-coated Angus cattle exist, although they’re thought of a separate breed referred to as Pink Angus.
Query 2: Does the coat colour of an Angus cow have an effect on its meat high quality?
Coat colour itself doesn’t straight impression meat high quality. Nonetheless, the black coat is a powerful indicator of Angus genetics, that are related to fascinating carcass traits equivalent to marbling and tenderness.
Query 3: Can a black Angus cow have white markings?
Breed requirements usually discourage white markings on Black Angus cattle. Extreme white markings might disqualify an animal from registration inside sure breed associations.
Query 4: Is a cow with a black coat routinely thought of an Angus?
Not all black-coated cattle are Angus. Different breeds additionally exhibit black coats. Verification of Angus lineage requires pedigree information and adherence to breed requirements.
Query 5: What genetic elements decide the black coat colour in Angus cattle?
The black coat colour in Angus cattle is primarily decided by a dominant allele. The presence of this allele leads to the expression of the black phenotype.
Query 6: Why is coat colour necessary within the Angus breed?
Coat colour serves as a visible marker for breed identification and is related to shopper notion of high quality. It additionally influences market worth and eligibility for Angus-branded applications.
In abstract, whereas variations exist, the defining coat colour of the Angus breed is stable black. This attribute influences market worth and serves as a visible indicator for customers and producers alike.
The following sections delve into administration practices and environmental issues associated to elevating Angus cattle.
Ideas Associated to Angus Coat Shade
The next suggestions present steering for these concerned within the administration, breeding, or advertising of Angus cattle, particularly in regards to the implications of their defining coat colour.
Tip 1: Prioritize Black Coat in Breeding Applications: Sustaining a stable black coat must be a main goal in breeding applications. Selective breeding ought to deal with sires and dams with confirmed genetic advantage for black coat, decreasing the chance of introducing recessive pink genes.
Tip 2: Implement Genetic Testing for Coat Shade: Make the most of genetic testing to establish carriers of the pink gene inside Black Angus herds. This permits for knowledgeable mating selections to reduce the prevalence of pink calves and preserve the breed’s attribute coat colour.
Tip 3: Handle Warmth Stress in Sizzling Climates: Acknowledge that dark-coated Angus cattle could also be extra prone to warmth stress in scorching environments. Present ample entry to shade and water, and take into account implementing cooling methods equivalent to followers or misters.
Tip 4: Leverage Coat Shade for Advertising Functions: Emphasize the stable black coat in advertising supplies to capitalize on shopper recognition and affiliation with high-quality Angus beef. Showcase pictures of black Angus cattle to bolster model id and attraction.
Tip 5: Cull Pink Calves from Black Angus Herds: To take care of breed purity and market worth, pink calves born into Black Angus herds must be culled. This observe reinforces the stable black coat as a defining attribute of the breed.
Tip 6: Guarantee Correct Breed Identification: Whereas coat colour is a helpful visible indicator, depend on pedigree information and registration documentation for correct breed identification. This minimizes the chance of misrepresenting cattle and protects the integrity of the Angus breed.
Tip 7: Be Conscious of Breed Normal Variations: Familiarize oneself with the particular breed requirements of related Angus associations, as refined variations in coat colour acceptance might exist. Adherence to those requirements is essential for registration and participation in Angus-branded applications.
By following the following tips, producers can successfully handle the genetic and environmental elements associated to Angus coat colour, maximizing the business worth of their herds and upholding the defining traits of the breed.
The concluding part will present a abstract of key issues for understanding and managing the coat colour of Angus cattle.
Conclusion
The previous dialogue has meticulously explored the defining coat attribute of Angus cattle, particularly addressing “what colour is a black angus cow.” The constant stable black coat serves as a vital identifier, impacting breeding practices, market worth, and shopper notion. This characteristic is genetically decided, bolstered by breed requirements, and managed by way of selective breeding practices. Whereas uncommon pink variants exist, the black coat stays the hallmark of the Black Angus breed, signifying its genetic lineage and business attraction.
Continued adherence to those established requirements is important for sustaining the Angus breed’s integrity and market dominance. The uniform coat colour, as a logo of high quality and predictability, performs an necessary position in shopper belief and producer profitability. Future efforts ought to deal with leveraging genetic applied sciences to additional improve coat colour consistency and discover any associated advantages or limitations, in order that the significance of “what colour is a black angus cow” is sustained.
