Beefmaster is a synthetic breed that is genetically composed of ± 50% Brahman, 25% Hereford and 25% Shorthorn blood. The result was the Beefmaster that inherited the best characteristics of each individual breed. This was achieved after years of selective breeding, careful experiments and vicious culling of unwanted animals. Throughout the history of the Beefmaster breed the main objective was meat production. The best cattle produce the most high quality meat at the lowest cost, which means more profit. The breeding and management program that is followed is based on nature's oldest law: 'Survival of the fittest. ' Upon selection six characteristics are required. The required economically important traits are: fertility, temperament, weight, conformation, hardiness and milk production.