WHY BEEFMASTERS

What most differentiates Beefmaster cattle from other breeds is the Six Essentials, the breed’s founding selection principles: Disposition, Fertility, Weight, Conformation, Hardiness and Milk Production.

In the beginning, Lasater made the difficult decision to select only for these six economic traits, ignoring aesthetics, such as color pattern, horns, or height that other breeds chase. Because of this systematic pursuit of the best possible genetics, Beefmasters today are known as “The Profit Breed.”

------- Disposition -------

Gentle cattle are cheaper to manage, sell better, breed better, feed better and calve easier.

------- Fertility ------- 

This is the first among equals and the cornerstone of the philosophy. Cows that do not have a calf every single year are not economically viable.

------- Weight -------

Of obvious importance—ranchers sell pounds. Weight is another highly heritable trait. We select for cattle that produce optimum (not necessarily maximum) weight with minimum input.

------- Conformation -------

This refers to the visual appraisal of a live animal with regard to carcass merit. We select for long, trim, well-muscled bulls, and smooth, feminine cows that meet industry demands.

------- Hardiness -------

It is critical for cattle to be able to thrive under tough conditions. Beefmasters excel in calf livability, low death loss, low maintenance costs and resistance to disease and parasites. 

------- Milk Production -------

Next to genetics, milk production is the single most important factor in weight. When asked to describe the perfect cow, Tom Lasater said, “She’ll look like a cow that gives a hell of a lot of milk.”

The first American composite breed (a combination of three or more breeds), Beefmasters were developed by Tom Lasater beginning in 1931 in South Texas. Today Beefmasters rank among the largest breed registries in the U.S., with active associations in many countries worldwide.

Beefmasters are a blend of ½ Bos Taurus (Hereford and Shorthorn) and 1/2 Bos Indicus (Nelore, Gir and Guzerat). Tom Lasater closed his herd in 1937, and no outside genetics have been introduced since that time. 81 years of intense selection has created a stabilized homozygous beef breed with the explosive growth potential of a hybrid.

What most differentiates Beefmasters from other breeds is the Six Essentials, the breed’s founding philosophy of selecting only for traits of economic importance: Disposition, Fertility, Weight, Conformation, Hardiness and Milk Production. This revolutionary approach resulted in a truly unique beef breed with the optimum balance of maternal, production and carcass traits.

BEEFMASTER IMPACT: ON WORLDWIDE CONSUMER DEMAND

Provide Economical and Healthy Protein Source from Beef

Tender and Tasteful Products - – Not Tough Chews

Efficient, Productive Cattle on Grass and Grain

The Six Essential Traits Optimize Economic Results

In Many World Markets, Dual Purpose (Milk / Beef) Benefits are Required.

BEEFMASTERS PERFORM: FOR PROFIT!