Beef is the general term describing the meat derived from cattle.
Beef is also an adjective to describe cattle raised primarily for meat production as opposed to milk production. (ie. beef cattle vs. dairy cattle
-see also:
"Beef" is in the NAICS Code "112111"
(Beef Cattle Ranching and FarmingFeeder calf production)
Ref: 120728/2006-10-01
Beef refers to the meat from full-grown cattle about two years old. Calf and baby beef are interchangeable terms used to describe young cattle weighing about 700 pounds that have been raised mainly on milk and grass.