What do you call a beef animal that naturally lacks horns?

A beef animal that naturally lacks horns is referred to as "polled." This term specifically describes breeds of cattle that have been genetically selected to not exhibit horns, unlike their horned counterparts. Polled cattle are often preferred in various farming settings due to the benefits of reduced risk of injury to both animals and handlers, as well as simplified handling during management activities like feeding and veterinary care.

Scurs are small, horn-like growths that can occur in some cattle that are typically polled, but they are not true horns. Heifer indicates a young female bovine that has not yet borne a calf, while steer describes a castrated male bovine. Neither of these terms relates to the presence or absence of horns, making "polled" the most accurate choice for this context.