SummaryPlasma lipids have been studied in 77 British (Hereford and Shorthorn), 23 Brahman, 63 Brahman X British, 35 Africander, and 182 Africander X British grazing cattle. Cholesterol, phospholipid, and total lipid levels were significantly (P < 0·001) higher in Zebu breeds than in British breeds. The proportion of cholesterol present in the free state was relatively constant and given by the regression equation:where F = amount of cholesterol present in the free state and T is the total amount of cholesterol.Cholesterol and phospholipid levels were significantly higher (P < 0'01) in females than in males. Age was not a primary factor affecting the plasma lipid levels of adult cattle. Highly repeatable differences between animals within breeds were found in cholesterol and phospholipid levels. Estimates of heritability for cholesterol levels from dam-calf regressions were 34± 11 % and 100± 15% at calf ages of 10 and 22 months respectively.In heifers the triglyceride levels in Africander X British and British breeds were significantly higher (P < O· 01) than in the Africander, Brahman, and Brahman X British breeds. Plasma protein. bound iodine was consistently positively associated with cholesterol levels.Within breeds, animals with high plasma cholesterol carried significantly fewer mature cattle ticks (Boophilus microplus).The phospholipid-cholesterol balance for a given cholesterol level was different in males and females.