Texas Longhorn Cattle Information

Texas longhorn cattle are a breed of cattle native to North America. Descended from Spanish longhorn cattle brought to the continent by early settlers, Texas longhorns roamed the Great Plains for many years following the decimation of the buffalo. Today, Texas longhorn cattle are known for their lean beef, low calving mortality rate, adaptability and intelligence. Their horns and hides are prized among collectors of such artifacts and artists who work with motifs of the American West.

  1. History

    • Over time, the Texas longhorn began to breed with other species of cattle in the American south and west. By the late 1920s, cattlemen were concerned that the species might die out and lobbied the United States government to establish protective measures to help save the cattle. Two refuges for the cattle were designated in Oklahoma and Nebraska. In the 1960s, the Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of America was formed, and today Texas longhorn cattle are a thriving species.

    Texas Longhorn beef

    • According to the Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of America, Texas longhorns are exceptional cattle for beef. Longhorn beef is leaner than many other species of beef cattle, which means that the meat has more muscle and less fat per pound. Longhorn beef contains about the same amount of cholesterol and calories as the same amount of chicken. Because it is lean, Texas longhorn beef cooks quickly, making it popular with barbecues and cook-outs. In addition, it requires no additional fat to cook, and cuts of the meat shrink less than fattier beef.

    Reproduction

    • Texas longhorn cows give birth easily and can be counted on to produce a calf every year when bred. The calves are small at birth, making giving birth easier for the cows, who also have larger pelvic cavities than many other species. Cows can be bred into their teens. Because of the involvement of ranchers in extensive breeding programs in which frozen semen is shipped nationwide, cows can be bred with different bulls each year. This results in a larger genetic pool and strengthening the breed.

    Adaptability

    • While they originated in the West, Texas longhorn cattle are highly adaptable to other environments. The Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of America states that the breed "thrives in climates from the hot, damp coastal regions to the harsh winters of Canada." This means that any farmer or rancher with sufficient land area in North America can raise Texas longhorn cattle. The cattle are hardy and can graze on a wide variety of grasses and herbage.

    Intelligence

    • The cattle also are known for their intelligence. Ranchers say that they are easy to train and to work with. Texas longhorns can be trained to pull carts and wagons, and can even be ridden. They are described as "persistent," and can be stubborn but are also easily taught a basic vocabulary and respond well to commands once trained.