Beefmaster
Ultimate Veld Cattle
Beefmaster cattle are the first American composite breed (combination of three or more breeds). They were developed by Tom Lasater in south Texas, beginning in 1931.
Beefmasters are a composite breed made up of roughly one-half Bos Taurus (hereford and Shorthorn) and one-half Bos Indicus (Nelore from Brasil, Gir & Guzerat from India).
The best crossbred animals were selected for further breeding, using the Six Essentials. The descendants of the above were bred in a three way cross, to different bulls (multiple sire), maintaining a closed herd. This led to a new cattle breed known as the Beefmaster. From the outset, selection was based on economically important traits only.
Beefmasters are a composite breed made up of roughly one-half Bos Taurus (hereford and Shorthorn) and one-half Bos Indicus (Nelore from Brasil, Gir & Guzerat from India).
The best crossbred animals were selected for further breeding, using the Six Essentials. The descendants of the above were bred in a three way cross, to different bulls (multiple sire), maintaining a closed herd. This led to a new cattle breed known as the Beefmaster. From the outset, selection was based on economically important traits only.
This revolutionary new way of looking at and selecting cattle gave rise to a breed that is unique in many ways. The breed is recognized as a "Dual Purpose" breed, meaning Beefmasters blend strong maternal traits with excellent growth and carcass abilities. The cattle are heat, drought and insect resistant. They are moderate in size, and while there is no set colour pattern in the breed, they are generally light red to dark red and some will have white mottle on their faces.
Six Essentials
Beefmasters are completely unique in that they are the only beef breed with a guiding production philosophy. These principles are called the Six Essentials,and they give us road map by which to maximize production efficiency and improve our cattle. We talk about the Six Essentials a lot, but what do they really mean?
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.”
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.”
Crossbreeding
Science and experience have taught us that we can maximize production efficiency through the use of crossbreeding. Beefmasters are the ideal breed for beef cattle crossbreeding programs for a wide range of reasons.
A trait in Beefmasters that makes them perfect for crossbreeding is that they can easily adapt to nearly any environment, and still yield the production efficiency they are famous for. So whether you are in a very cold environment as is the Foundation Herd on my grandfather’s ranch in Eastern Colorado, or in the desert or in the tropics, they will excel. This means that you can cross them on your existing herd and not be concerned about the adaptability of the offspring.
A trait in Beefmasters that makes them perfect for crossbreeding is that they can easily adapt to nearly any environment, and still yield the production efficiency they are famous for. So whether you are in a very cold environment as is the Foundation Herd on my grandfather’s ranch in Eastern Colorado, or in the desert or in the tropics, they will excel. This means that you can cross them on your existing herd and not be concerned about the adaptability of the offspring.