The Beefalo is a hybrid animal created by crossing domestic cattle (Bos taurus) and the American bison (Bison bison). This combination blends the bison’s robust traits with the superior meat production and handling characteristics of cattle. Unlike many hybrids, the modern Beefalo breed is defined by a specific genetic makeup that ensures its fertility and viability for commercial ranching.
Defining the Beefalo Genetic Makeup
The creation of a Beefalo involves selective interbreeding over multiple generations to achieve a precise genetic balance. The American Beefalo Association officially defines the breed as having at least 3/8 (37.5%) bison genes and 5/8 (62.5%) domestic cattle genes. This ratio maximizes desirable traits while maintaining reproductive function.
The initial cross between a pure bison and a pure cow is the F1 generation, resulting in a 50/50 genetic split. To reach the official 3/8 bison composition, F1 hybrids are bred back to domestic cattle, diluting the bison genetics over successive generations. The goal is to produce an animal that retains the bison’s hardiness while being primarily cattle in handling.
The Biological Answer to Fertility
The established answer is yes: the Beefalo breed is fertile, though the initial hybridization presents a biological hurdle. In the F1 generation (the first cross), the female offspring are generally fertile, which is necessary for establishing a breeding program. The male F1 offspring, however, are often sterile, a phenomenon common in interspecies crosses known as hybrid sterility.
To circumvent the sterility of the F1 males, breeders rely on the fertile F1 females, breeding them back to domestic cattle bulls. Subsequent backcrossing reduces the bison genetics to the 3/8 level, overcoming the fertility issue in males. A standardized Beefalo bull, carrying 3/8 bison genetics, is fully fertile and can reproduce naturally or through artificial insemination. This established fertility is why the Beefalo is recognized as a distinct and sustainable breed.
Practical Benefits for Ranching and Production
The confirmed fertility of the Beefalo is the foundation of its commercial viability for ranching and beef production. Consistent reproduction allows them to pass on highly desirable traits, known as hybrid vigor, to successive generations. This includes the bison’s superior hardiness and its ability to efficiently convert marginal forage into weight gain.
Beefalo cows often demonstrate a longer reproductive lifespan and high conception rates, supporting sustained herd growth. They also experience calving ease due to the bison-inherited trait of having smaller calves at birth. This efficiency, combined with the breed’s ability to finish well on grass, provides a significant economic advantage. The resulting meat is also valued for being lower in fat and cholesterol compared to conventional beef.