Types of Horned Cows

The development of a cow's horns depends on the presence of either the recessive horn gene or the dominant hornless or polled gene. Historically, cattle needed horns for their protection. Today, horns create an unnecessary safety risk for people involved in the cattle industry. Though horns can be physically removed, many breeders genetically manipulate cattle for the polled trait.

  1. Texas Longhorn

    • Texas Longhorns represent America's melting pot history in cattle. In 1493, Christopher Columbus brought Longhorns to the Americas. They became the first cattle in North America and later bred with the European cattle of the colonists. Over several centuries, thousands of miles and much cross breeding, the Texas Longhorn developed into a rugged, long-lived breed. Yet, without conservation efforts, fierce crossbreeding nearly drove true Texas Longhorns into extinction by the early 1900s. Today, prized for their excellent fertility rates, uncomplicated births, overall health and ability to thrive on sub-standard rangeland, Texas Longhorns produce high quality, lean beef.

    Brahman

    • Brahman cattle, the sacred cattle of Hinduism, originated in India as the Bos indicus breed. Distinguishing features include a large hump that extends over their neck and shoulders, curved horns, dangling ears and a throatlatch and dewlap with hanging folds of extra skin. Colors range from extremely light gray to nearly black or red. Developed in the intense heat of India, their sweat glands allow them to sweat easily and their short, shiny coats reflect the sun. Their sebaceous glands secrete an oily, pungent-smelling substance that repels bugs. In the United States, they are popular for both beef and milk production.

    White Park

    • White Park cattle, also known as White Horned or Wilde Whites, date back 2,000 years in Irish literature. White with colored points on the eyes, eye rims, nose, feet and teats, White Park cattle were historically bred for both beef and milk. Today, they serve primarily in beef production. The story of their origins varies but the noted authority Rev. John Storer concluded they descended from "Wild White Bull" of the British Isles.

    Ankole-Watusi

    • Ankole-Watusi cattle, known as the "cattle of kings," originated in Africa and date back over 6,000 years with depictions in Egyptian hieroglyphs. Today, this breed's preferred characteristics include long, wide-spaced, proportional horns, a neck hump leading into a straight back with a sloped rump. Medium-sized cattle, Ankole-Watusi cows weigh between 900 and 1,200 lbs., while bulls weigh up to 1,600 pounds. They withstand extreme temperatures and harsh weather well. Not only weapons, horns play another important role. During hot weather, blood flows through their horns, cools down and then travels to the rest of the body, lowering the animal's temperature.