Beefalo

Bison bison x Bos taurus

The Beefalo is a unique hybrid species resulting from the crossbreeding of the American Bison (Bison bison) with domestic cattle (Bos taurus). This combination brings together the hardiness and robustness of the bison with the docility and meat quality of domestic cattle, creating an animal that is highly adaptable to a variety of environments. Typically, Beefalo present a muscled physique, combining the characteristic hump and dense fur of the bison with the more bovine features of domestic cattle. They vary in size but generally are larger and heavier than standard cattle, with males weighing between 1,000 to 2,500 pounds.

Their coat can range from light brown to a darker hue and is often less dense than that of pure bison, making them more manageable in temperate climates. One of the primary reasons for breeding Beefalo is to improve meat quality, offering a leaner, lower cholesterol alternative to traditional beef while retaining a rich flavor profile.

Ecologically, Beefalo are valued for their efficiency in grazing, able to utilize pastures in a manner similar to bison, thus requiring less supplemental feed when compared to conventional cattle. This trait is advantageous for sustainable ranching practices. Established as a recognized breed, Beefalo provides livestock breeders with the opportunity to maintain economically viable herds that are resilient, efficient, and have a lower environmental impact. They have become increasingly popular in North America for both meat production and their capacity to thrive in varied climatic conditions.