Which are the best cows for breeding for meat purposes

Question

Hi I have a smallholding with a few sheep and poultry. I am thinking of getting a couple of cows for my own meat, which are the best cows for breeding for meat purposes ?

Answer 1

Hi Peter!

You do not say how much land you have and the type of pasture as this may influence the kind of cattle you purchase since not all breeds have the same nutritional requirements in order to gain weight - some of the native breeds will thrive on a grass/hay based diet but the larger commercial types will not.

Perhaps before breeding your own, you should consider rearing a few steers to see how you get on.  Dexter cattle (our smallest native breed) are ideal for the smallholder since they consume only half the quantity of food of a commercial beef type and your average Dexter will provide ample meat for the family for 12 months.  Start off with a couple and before the first steer is sent in, buy another one to keep other company, maintaining the rotation of killing one a year so you will always have meat in your freezer.

Although I am somewhat biased because I breed Dexters, people who buy meat from me tell me that it is the most fantastic beef they have ever tasted and almost always make repeat purchases.