Beef.
A buffalo is an animal that is born as a result of the cross between an American bison and a domestic cow. Various breeds of cattle can successfully produce this type of fertile hybrid. Although random beef births date back to the 1700s, these animals were first intentionally bred during the 19th century, when farmers discovered the potential market for veal. Although buffalo and cattle belong to a separate genus and species, they still have enough compatible genes to produce viable offspring. The red meat of one of these hybrids is known for its lower amount of fat and cholesterol; it also contains fewer calories while maintaining a rich beef flavor.
One of the parents of a beefalo must be a domestic cow.
Several characteristics give the average hybrid cattle advantages over non-hybrid or buffalo cattle. These animals are generally stronger and can thrive on a wide variety of pastures, including drier forage during droughts. Unlike other mixed animals such as mules, the buffalo is capable of producing offspring. They are also better suited to extreme temperatures; thicker woolly hair keeps them warmer in cold weather and better sweat capacity cools them in hot weather.
Beefalo is the result of crossing an American bison with a domestic cow.
The advantageous traits of a beefalo make it an example of hybrid vigor, which is offspring that have some degree of superiority over either parent. The fact that these animals are capable of reproduction also makes them exceptions to the scientific principle of Haldane’s Rule. This rule of biology attempts to provide a systematic explanation for sterility among other types of hybrid animals.
Beefalo can be used as a substitute for traditional red meat dishes.
American bison are not the only breeds used for this type of crossbreeding. The zubron is a type of bovine hybrid that is born from the crossing of a domestic cow with a bison, which is a kind of European buffalo with some different characteristics. These animals typically have longer tails, slightly larger horns, and shorter fur around their heads. Sages also differ in herding and rearing behavior; examples of them mating with cattle are less common, making their zubron offspring a bit rarer.
Although not classified as American bison, many American bison contain small amounts of genetic material from cattle. An exception is the Wind Cave bison herd, a group of genetically pure buffalo that was purposely bred as a conservation effort. The herd is one of the few remaining to roam freely in North America after the buffalo nearly became extinct during the 19th century.