Beef Cattle breed profile
Shorthorn
Also known as: Beef Shorthorn, Durham
- British dual-purpose / beef heritage
- England
- large
- Temperament: docile
- Heritage
- Conservancy: Recovering
Shorthorn is one of the foundational British beef breeds — historically dual-purpose, today divided into beef Shorthorn and Milking Shorthorn. Beef Shorthorns combine docility, foraging ability, and reasonable carcass quality.
Production & size
Mature size and output.
Female weight
1200–1400 lbs
Male weight
1900–2400 lbs
Daily gain
2.6 lbs/day
Reproductive traits
Gestation
285 days
Seasonality
year round
Maternal
excellent
Health & climate
Parasite resistance
good
Heat tolerance
fair
Cold hardiness
good
Humidity tolerance
fair
Common health concerns
- Some lines retain dairy traits and require selection for beef-type carcass
- Tubular Duplication of the Conducting System (TH/PH) — genetic testing recommended
Management requirements
Experience
beginner friendly
Housing
basic shelter
Fencing
standard
Feed system
pasture, hay, grain supplement
Market access
Commercial market
good
Direct-market appeal
good
Premium potential
Yes
Heritage status and dual-purpose history support direct-marketing narratives.
American Shorthorn Association →