Livestock breeds directory
61 breeds. 8 species. Pick the right one.
Breed selection is the longest-lasting decision a livestock operation makes. The wrong genetics for your climate, market, or experience level shows up for 10 years. Every breed page surfaces purpose fit, regional fit, temperament, market access, and registry — with mandatory safety notes for breeds that have them.
Conservation status reflects Livestock Conservancy listings as of the last data pull. Three ways in: by species, by purpose (commercial / homestead / heritage / show / fiber), or by ag region.
Browse by species
Pick your species.
Browse by purpose
Pick your operation type.
Commercial Production
Large-scale, market-driven operations focused on efficiency, EPDs, and yield grades. Animals enter commercial supply chains — feedlots, packers, milk co-ops, terminal markets. Genetic improvement programs and infrastructure-intensive management.
6 species · experienced
Direct Marketing / Specialty
Farm-to-consumer operations selling whole, half, and individual cuts directly to customers. Breed appearance, story, heritage status, flavor profile, and certifications are part of the marketing — breed choice is part of the brand.
8 species · some experience
Grass-fed / Pasture-based
Forage-dependent production systems where animals harvest their own feed from managed pasture. Grazing efficiency, body condition on grass alone, parasite resistance, and foraging behavior matter more than feedlot performance metrics.
7 species · some experience
Homestead / Small Farm
Self-sufficiency operations producing food primarily for the household and small surplus sales. Docility, manageable size, dual-purpose capability, and low input requirements matter more than commercial efficiency.
8 species · beginner friendly
Dual-Purpose
Breeds and operations producing two products from the same animal — beef and milk, meat and fiber, meat and eggs. Relevant for small-scale operations where specialization isn't economical and for operations valuing flexibility.
4 species · some experience
Fiber / Specialty Products
Operations producing wool, mohair, cashmere, or feather as a primary product. Fiber quality (micron count, staple length, color) matters more than meat or milk performance. Premium niche markets.
2 species · some experience
Show / Registered Seedstock
Operations producing breeding-stock animals for sale to other producers. Genetic improvement programs, breed-standard conformity, and show ring performance are central. Different skill set and different economics than commercial production.
6 species · experienced
Conservation / Heritage
Operations preserving rare and heritage breeds at risk of disappearing. American Livestock Breeds Conservancy (ALBC, now Livestock Conservancy) status drives selection. Premium direct markets exist for many heritage breeds.
8 species · some experience
Browse by region × species
Pick your region.
Heat tolerance, parasite pressure, forage type, and humidity vary by region — and so does which breed makes sense.
Mid-Atlantic North
Mid-Atlantic South
Upper Southeast
Gulf Coast / Florida
Corn Belt North
Corn Belt South
Southern Plains
Northern Rockies
Southern Rockies
Pacific Northwest
Pick the breed. Then track it.
Bield: Farm tracks individual animal performance, breeding cycles, and health records — so the genetic decision compounds across generations instead of disappearing into mediocre averages.
Start free trial →