The Belgian Blue Beef Breed
Purebreds
Belgian Blue Beef is famous for its impressive muscling which is commonly referred to as “double muscling.” Belgian Blue Beef outclasses all other beef breed in carcass yield (up to 80%). When used in crossbreeding programs of other dairy or beef breeds, it increases carcass yield from 5 to 7% compared to the maternal line.

Extensive research has shown that Belgian Blues possess a gene which suppresses the production of myostatin, a protein that normally inhibits muscle growth after a certain point. Pure Belgian Blues carry two copies of this gene; in crossbreeding, one copy is usually transmitted and serves to increase carcass weight in the offspring of a cross-breeding program.
Belgian Blue Characteristics
Weights and Size: Belgian Blues are a moderately framed breed. Mature females weigh around 780 kg (1700 lbs) and are 138 cm (53 inches) tall. Adult bulls weigh 1200 kg (2700 lbs) and are 155 cm (61 inches) tall.
Adaptability: Belgian Blues have developed a quality and adaptability beyond comparison. The gene pool behind the breed has made the breed thrive on a wide range of terrains and in very different climates. Belgian Blues prosper in bitter Canadian winters and hot Texan and South American summers.
- The breed comes in 3 main colours: white, blue, black
- Blue animals are blue or blue roan
- Black animals are totally black or black and white
- The red factor is present in some genotypes
Carcass Yield
- Up to 80% dressing out percentage for full bloods
- Carcass composition: 80% saleable boned-out meat!

The research and experience on the relationship between carcass yield and linear classification scores can be a great help in selecting bulls for high yielding carcasses. Even if the bull is not classified, it indicates the important factors to look for in selecting the ideal bull for terminal crossing. According to the criteria below, keen attention should be given to muscling when selecting a bull to optimize carcass yield.
How does linear classification scoring influence carcass yield?
- Extremely strong influence on carcass yield: Perfect roundness in thighs, rear view.
- Very strong influence: Wide exterior pelvis, very wide shoulders, rounded rib, very rounded thighs (side view).
- Strong influence: Chest (width between front legs), extreme muscling of the top line.
- Moderate influence: Sloping rump, long pelvis.
- Slight influence: Body length.
- Little or no influence: Height, bone structure, tail setting, skin thickness.
Crossbreeding with Belgian Blues…
“Primary results indicate that Belgian Blues are
excellent candidates as a terminal sire breed”
Cundiff and aI. USDA, Clay Center
The ULTIMATE Terminal Crossbreeding Breed
Using a Belgian Blue Bull in your commercial herd crossbreeding program will maximize your profits:
- Outstanding dressing percentages
- Very docile temperament
- Up to 10 % more lean retail product
- Early maturity
- Excellent feed conversion rate
- Tenderness thanks to fine muscle fibers
- High growth rates
- High protein content
- Easy calving
- Meat flavor and juiciness
- Always pick a white bull in crossbreeding on Holsteins if a typical Blue calf is desired.
Common Breeder Questions
Why is Belgian Blue meat more tender?
What is the best type of Belgian Blue bull in terminal crossbreeding?
Terminal cross breeding with Belgians improves the dressing percentage (or kill-out per cent) but even more so the cutability (or net saleable meat yield), and VERY importantly, tenderness.
How much improvement can I expect?
On beef breeds, Belgian Blues as terminal cross will always give positive results. Beef breeds are often selected based on different criteria: easy calving, good mothering qualities, resistant to a harsh environment. In every case Belgian sires have improved the dressing percentage, by 10 per cent using poorest type cows and between two to five per cent on meaty types.
Daily gain and carcass yield are qualities highly desired to be passed on the next generation. The hereditability of those factors is around 0.50.
To find the right bull for your needs...
New line of Internationally bred BBB Bulls now available in CanadaThe Belgian Blue Beef Breed
Belgian Blue Beef is famous for its impressive muscling which is commonly referred to as “double muscling.” Belgian Blue Beef outclasses all other beef breed in carcass yield (up to 80%). When used in crossbreeding programs of other dairy or beef breeds, it increases carcass yield from 5 to 7% compared to the maternal line.

Extensive research has shown that Belgian Blues possess a gene which suppresses the production of myostatin, a protein that normally inhibits muscle growth after a certain point. Pure Belgian Blues carry two copies of this gene; in crossbreeding, one copy is usually transmitted and serves to increase carcass weight in the offspring of a cross-breeding program.
Belgian Blue Characteristics
Weights and Size: Belgian Blues are a moderately framed breed. Mature females weigh around 780 kg (1700 lbs) and are 138 cm (53 inches) tall. Adult bulls weigh 1200 kg (2700 lbs) and are 155 cm (61 inches) tall.
Adaptability: Belgian Blues have developed a quality and adaptability beyond comparison. The gene pool behind the breed has made the breed thrive on a wide range of terrains and in very different climates. Belgian Blues prosper in bitter Canadian winters and hot Texan and South American summers.
- The breed comes in 3 main colours: white, blue, black
- Blue animals are blue or blue roan
- Black animals are totally black or black and white
- The red factor is present in some genotypes
Carcass Yield
- Up to 80% dressing out percentage for full bloods
- Carcass composition: 80% saleable boned-out meat!

The research and experience on the relationship between carcass yield and linear classification scores can be a great help in selecting bulls for high yielding carcasses. Even if the bull is not classified, it indicates the important factors to look for in selecting the ideal bull for terminal crossing. According to the criteria below, keen attention should be given to muscling when selecting a bull to optimize carcass yield.
How does linear classification scoring influence carcass yield?
- Extremely strong influence on carcass yield: Perfect roundness in thighs, rear view.
- Very strong influence: Wide exterior pelvis, very wide shoulders, rounded rib, very rounded thighs (side view).
- Strong influence: Chest (width between front legs), extreme muscling of the top line.
- Moderate influence: Sloping rump, long pelvis.
- Slight influence: Body length.
- Little or no influence: Height, bone structure, tail setting, skin thickness.
Crossbreeding with Belgian Blues…
“Primary results indicate that Belgian Blues are
excellent candidates as a terminal sire breed”
Cundiff and aI. USDA, Clay Center
The ULTIMATE Terminal Crossbreeding Breed
Using a Belgian Blue Bull in your commercial herd crossbreeding program will maximize your profits:
- Outstanding dressing percentages
- Very docile temperament
- Up to 10 % more lean retail product
- Early maturity
- Excellent feed conversion rate
- Tenderness thanks to fine muscle fibers
- High growth rates
- High protein content
- Easy calving
- Meat flavor and juiciness
Always pick a white bull in crossbreeding on Holsteins if a typical Blue calf is desired.
Common Breeder Questions
Why is Belgian Blue meat more tender?
What is the best type of Belgian Blue bull in terminal crossbreeding?
Terminal cross breeding with Belgians improves the dressing percentage (or kill-out per cent) but even more so the cutability (or net saleable meat yield), and VERY importantly, tenderness.
How much improvement can I expect?
On beef breeds, Belgian Blues as terminal cross will always give positive results. Beef breeds are often selected based on different criteria: easy calving, good mothering qualities, resistant to a harsh environment. In every case Belgian sires have improved the dressing percentage, by 10 per cent using poorest type cows and between two to five per cent on meaty types.
Daily gain and carcass yield are qualities highly desired to be passed on the next generation. The hereditability of those factors is around 0.50.