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Beef cattle are bovine cattle (cows, see Bos taurus) raised for meat production (in distiction from milch cows). The meat of cattle is known as beef. The plural beeves, when referring to such meat-animals (of either sex), is well known in the American cattle industry, but is often restricted to steers.

Beef breeds include Hereford, Angus, Brahman, Santa Gertrudis, Charolais, Limousin, Boran, Afrikaner, Beef Shorthorn, Red Poll, Brangus, Beefmaster, Nelore, Chianina, Wagyu.

Breeds known as dual purpose breeds are also used for beef production. These breeds have been selected for two purposes at once, such as for both beef and dairy production. Dual Purpose breeds include the Brown Swiss and many of the Zebu breeds of India such as Tharparkar and Ongole.

The most common known use of beef cattle is the consumption of the meat. However, the bovine species provides us with everyday essentials such as shampoo, cosmetics, and even the leather for clothing.