Lowline Cattle

The Australian Lowline cattle came from a cattle research project conduced by the New South Wales Department of Agriculture located in Trangie, Australia. The 30-year project was started in the early 1970’s with the ultimate goal being to produce more beef per acre.

In October 1993, the new South Wales Department of Agriculture conducted a disposal sale. From that sale is what formed the basis of today’s Lowline herd. From there the Lowline was finally introduced into the United States in 1997.

How big is a Lowline calf?
An average Lowline calf weighs 40 to 60 lbs at birth and is approximately 22" tall.
How big are Lowline cattle?
A mature cow weighs 500-700lbs and is 35-42" tall while a mature bull weighs 800-1000lbs and is 37-48" tall.
Are there special requirements to manage Lowlines?
With their small size, docile nature, heartiness, and feed efficiency there is no need for large tracts of land. They are ideal for small acreage operations.
How do Lowline cattle compare to larger breeds?
Lowline cattle consume about 1/3 the amount of feed as a full sized animal. They have 5% more marbling than other breeds and a 30% larger rib eye per cut with 45% less back fat than Angus.

Breed Comparison Chart
Breed
Average number of
breeding cows
per 100 acres
Pounds of average carcass
per head weight at
15 months on grass
Pounds of carcass
weight per acre
Retail carcass yield
percent saleable weight
Pounds of retail
product per acre
Lowline
54
418
203
76%
154
Waygu
38

442

151 55% 83
Angus
33
543
162
68%
110
Murray Grey
32
547
158
67%
106
Hereford
30
552
147
64%
94
Shorthorn
28
532
132
65%
86
Simmental
23
556
115
69%
79