Getting to know the Beefmaster breed standards

In this article, we detail some of the typical breed standards for the Beefmaster, as per Beefmasters Breeders United, the official Beefmaster breeders' society in the US, where the breed was originally developed.

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Conformation

Bulls should be long, trim, well-muscled, and masculine. They should have a clean underline, optimal scrotum size, outstanding musculature, and ample length.

A full muzzle, with nostrils wide and open, and good width between the eyes is desirable. Ears should be slightly elongated and sit level to pitched down relative to head. Short-eared cattle with high ear set or extremely long, droopy ears should be avoided.

Bulls should have a medium-length neck, but it should be neat. Smooth attachment is the primary objective in this regard.

The crest or hump should be moderate and sit closer to the top of the shoulders than to the head, with moderate dewlap development.

Cows should be feminine, smooth, and moderately muscled, blending smoothly into the rest of the body.

They must have a strong, functional udder with good teats. Cows should have a clean jaw and throat latch, and a full muzzle. Nostrils should be wide and open.

“Avoid extremely long and narrow heads, as well as extremely small, wide heads,” says Beefmaster.org.

Cows should have moderately thin and angular necks, which are neat and blending smoothly into shoulders.

Cows should also exhibit clean dewlap development.