_.-._beef animal

[rezaforu]

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful.

Hi!

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Butcher: On the far right we have a tray of soup bones, the tray next to it is a tray of beef shank,
which is cut from the front leg of a beef animal, then we have a tray of …

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What does “beef animal” mean?

Why “beef animal” and not “cow”?

Is this a special kind of cow?

Thank you

[Torsten]

“Beef animal” is a general term used in the meat industry to refer to cattle raised for beef production. The butcher likely used this phrase instead of “cow” because:

1. Not all cattle used for beef are cows – In the beef industry, the term “cow” specifically refers to a mature female that has had calves. However, beef can come from different types of cattle, including:

   • Steers (castrated males, commonly raised for beef)
   • Heifers (young females that haven’t calved)
   • Bulls (though less commonly used for beef)
   • Cows (sometimes processed for lower-quality beef, like ground beef)

2. Clarity in professional terminology – The term “beef animal” is more precise when discussing meat cuts because it avoids confusion with dairy cows, which are primarily raised for milk, not meat.

3. Industry Standard Language – Butchers and meat processors often use “beef animal” or “beef cattle” as a neutral, catch-all term to include all cattle used for beef production, regardless of sex or age.

So, “beef animal” isn’t a special kind of cow, but rather a way to refer to cattle intended for beef in a way that includes steers, heifers, and sometimes cows.

[Arinker]

@rezaforu

“beef animal”

I’d just say “cow”.

I don’t think I’ve ever heard this term.
Perhaps he’s trying to be very accurate, allowing for the possibility that the meat comes from a bull or steer (males) as opposed to a cow(female).
In general usage, I think “cow” would be used for all of them, male or female, unless there was some need to make a distinction.

There is the term “beef cattle” referring to a herd of cattle(plural) raised for beef as opposed to dairy cattle.
“I raise beef cattle on my farm.”

I just saw Torsten’s accurate response above on the technical language of butchers and cattlemen.
For you and me, though, I’d generally just say “cows” when referring to the animals and ask for a beef shank at the meat counter.

[rezaforu]

Thank you so much, Torsten
This is a complete description.
Very nice.

[rezaforu]

Thank you so much, Arinker
This is a complete description.
Very nice.

[Masme]

And I’d say this: 'the most noble and courteous of all animals I really dig is the pig."
Therefore, pork comes from pigs.

Remember: Bacon, pork and ham, oh, what a lucky wold I am…