beefalo

A beefalo is a hybrid animal resulting from the crossbreeding of domestic cattle and the American bison. The initial goal of this hybridization was to create a meat animal that combined the hardiness and disease resistance of the bison with the faster growth rate and better maternal instincts of cattle.

The first successful attempts at creating beefalo occurred in the late 19th century in North America. However, the breed didn't gain significant traction until the 1970s when a commercial breeding program was established. The resulting animals are typically larger than cattle but smaller than pure bison. They possess a shaggy coat, a hump over their shoulders, and a more robust build compared to domestic cattle.

Beefalo are known for their adaptability to various climates and forage conditions, often requiring less supplemental feed than traditional beef breeds. Their meat is generally leaner and has a different flavor profile than conventional beef, often described as richer or more flavorful. While the breed has a dedicated following among some ranchers and consumers seeking alternative meat products, it is not as widely raised as common beef breeds. The genetic makeup of beefalo can vary, with some animals having a higher percentage of bison ancestry than others.