Best-known cattle breeds for small and large farms Over the last few years, conversations about livestock have started shifting. It’s not just about how much milk or meat a breed can give anymore.

“A lot of cows give zero, some cows will give you 20 or 30,” he said. “Out of those, seven to eight we hope at least to make a calf.” The resulting calves are not intended for meat packers.

High-maintenance cows like Viatina-19 aren't profitable on a large, commercial scale because they couldn't meet their energy needs from grass alone, said P.J. Budler, international business ...