How to Care for Longhorn Cattle

Many types of cattle are raised as livestock. Longhorns are large animals with long horns extending from each side of the head. Longhorn cattle are hardy animals that live well without a massive amount of time and energy spent on them. People raise longhorns on large farms with plenty of space for animals to roam. Longhorns are easily raised compared to other cattle, but raising cattle requires a lot of physical activity.

Things You'll Need

  • Fenced grazing land
  • Barns or pole buildings
  • Watering troughs
  • Feed troughs
  • Mineral blocks
  • Sweet feed
  • Round bales of hay
  • Cattle wormers
  • Basic animal medical kit
  • Veterinarian access
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Instructions

    • 1

      Put longhorns into a pasture. Longhorns like plenty of open grazing land, so put them in an area with a good pasture. Any type of hay makes a good pasture, but try planting plenty of rye grass and clover in the pasture. Provide the longhorns with a covered barn or large pole building for when there is bad weather. Keep plenty of hay and water in the building for the cattle. Make sure the fencing around the area is anchored well to posts in the ground, and cement the posts into the ground. Some cattle like rubbing their sides against fence posts, and can work the posts loose if they aren't anchored well.

    • 2

      Supply plenty of feed and water. Longhorns are big eaters. They average about 25 pounds of feed a day. The longhorns graze most of the day. They like rye grass and clover. Place a round bale of hay under cover so it doesn't get wet and moldy and feed the cattle concentrated feeds with at least 20 percent protein daily. Place a mineral block in an easily accessible area for the cattle. Keep salt and minerals where all cattle can reach it easily. Put several large watering troughs out, and keep them full, especially, in the summer. Large animals require a lot of water. In the winter, check the troughs regularly. The water on top might freeze, making getting water hard for the cattle.

    • 3

      Breed the herd. Longhorns give birth nine months after breeding. Get several females pregnant at the same time, so you increase the herd quickly. Keep plenty of mineral blocks out for the females, and have a veterinarian check the females regularly. If you prefer, have the veterinarian artificially inseminate the females.

    • 4

      Seek veterinary assistance. Worm the cattle twice a year using the wormer your veterinarian recommends. The veterinarian gives the cattle the immunizations that are required in your area. Each state has different guidelines. Keep records of vaccinations and veterinarian visits. Keep a medical kit for basic animal care. You need vet wrap, antibiotic ointment, gauze pads and other items you might need for cuts and scrapes. Longhorns rub up against the fences and they sometimes get rough with each other, so they might get cuts and scrapes. Call the veterinarian if a longhorn gets any deep cuts or wounds.