Beefmaster is a breed of beef cattle that was developed in the early 1930s by Tom Lasater (the breed founder), after his father Ed c. Lasater created the breed, from a crossing of Hereford cows and Shorthorn cows with Brahman bulls. The exact mixture of the foundation cattle is unknown, but is thought to be about 25% Hereford, 25% Milking Shorthorn and 50% Brahman. It was first recognized by the USDA as a new breed in 1954. The original intention was to produce cattle that could produce economically in the difficult environment of South Texas. The cattle were selected by using the Six Essentials – weight, conformation, milking ability, fertility, hardiness and disposition. Though there are no standards for color, most are red to light red, with white mottled spots. Over the past decade black Beefmaster have become very popular among herd managers using the breed in their heterosis programs for hybrid vigor. These cattle are a versatile, multipurpose breed, meaning that they can be used for milk as well as beef.
- History of the Beefmaster breed - Oklahoma State University
- Beefmasters Breeders United homepage
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