Uses for the Texas Longhorn

The Texas Longhorn is an iconic American image. This breed of cattle is among the oldest breeds in American farm life, and the diverse body types and color patterns are part of the allure. These long-living creatures are generally a profitable breed for the American farmer, as the Longhorn's uses go far beyond traditional breeding and beef.

  1. Breeding

    • Texas Longhorn semen is sold to other ranches for breeding purposes. Semen samples range in value from $5 to $100, and private sales and auctions are both selling options.

      Siring is another option for cattle breeders. Siring occurs when owners "rent out" their cattle to other farmers and allow them to breed with cattle from that farm. Siring costs depend on the lineage and quality of the cattle. The steers are aggressive in mating and have tremendous stamina, two very good characteristics in cattle breeding.

      Texas longhorns are commonly used in cross-breeding with other types of cattle as well.

    Riding and leisure

    • Texas longhorns boast a storied tradition and are common show animals. These cattle are often found at agricultural exhibitions across the country, largely because of their nostalgic imagery and connection to the Old West.

      Owners rent out Texas longhorns for leisure riding purposes, and they are also popular steers for rodeos. A gentle disposition allows longhorns to quickly adapt to riding and wrangling.

    Beef cattle

    • Texas longhorn beef is lower in fat, calories and cholesterol.

      Texas Longhorns are a popular choice for beef livestock. Longhorn beef is sold on the organic and mainstream beef markets, and the beef carries less fat, calories and cholesterol than other cattle breeds. A Texas Longhorn steak can contain up to 30-percent less muscle fat and 15-percent less saturated fat when compared with other breeds of cattle steak.

    On the Farm

    • Texas Longhorns have several desirable farming attributes. They are strong work cows, which helps with chores. They are also durable and can survive harsh heat and cold better than most breeds of cattle. Texas Longhorns are also known to graze on virtually any ground covering, making them low maintenance to feed. Little supervision is needed for the Longhorn, due to its gentle nature.

      The mothers raise efficient calves, and milk well.

    Nostalgia

    • Some farmers keep animals purely for nostalgic purposes. Owners of the El Coyote ranch claim "the Western nostalgia market is what brings most breeders into the Texas longhorn business." Because the horns and hide of Texas longhorns are an iconic symbol of Texas and American farm life, they hold souvenir value. Certain farmers collect a specific type of horn or hide after an animal's death, although there is little evidence that animals are killed or "hunted" specifically for these attributes.