What is the best breed of beef cattle?
This question is virtually impossible to answer because each breed has certain strengths and weaknesses which either enhances or restricts its application to certain specific production environments. The better question might be “Which type of cattle is best for my situation?” This narrows the field of possible choices from hundreds of breeds to just four basic “types”. The types include English, Exotic, Zebu, and Dairy. For example, as a commercial cow/calf producer if you accept the premise that the “ideal” steer for the beef cattle industry will weigh from 1000 to 1300 lbs. at harvest, be a frame score 4 to 6, have a ribeye area of 12 to 15 sq. inches, produce a carcass with a yield grade of 2 to 3, and a quality grade of high select to low choice, then the steer calves that you would want to produce would have at least 50% English blood, no more than 25% Zebu blood, or no more than 50% Exotic blood, or no more than 50% Dairy blood. This recommendation is made with the understanding
