The Pros & Cons for Longhorn Cattle

The image of longhorn cattle thundering across the prairie is an enduring symbol of the Old West. This hardy breed is believed to be descended from Spanish retinto (criollo) cattle that possibly mixed with animals brought over from England. For a number of years, longhorns that had escaped from ranches and missions roamed wild or semi-wild in Texas and developed into a hardy breed that could live under tough circumstances and, often, on little food. Today, cattlemen who desire to raise this breed will find an animal that brings with it a number of pros and only a few cons.

  1. Easy to Raise

    • Longhorns can thrive in conditions that other cattle may find tough going. From its years spent in the harsh Texas landscape, this breed developed into an animal that can live on less water, and that can forage on bushes and trees that other cattle won't eat as well as grass. Longhorn cattle can also cover long distances and do well even in the brutal Texas summer months as well as cold winters in other regions. The longhorn has also developed a resistance to many of the diseases and pests that plague less hardy cattle breeds

    Lean Meat

    • The meat from a longhorn is very lean, which can be a pro or a con, depending on your needs. If you are looking for a breed that will provide fatty cuts of meat, the longhorn is not for you. On the other hand, if you are interested in raising cattle for lean meat, the longhorn is a good choice. Its meat will, on the average, contain 10 percent less saturated fat than a similar cut of meat from another breed of beef cattle.

    Multiple Uses

    • A big pro for raising longhorns over other types of cattle is the multiple ways that a rancher can make money off of his herd. Not only can longhorns be raised for their lean meat, but the calves are popular for use in rodeo roping contests, as well. Longhorns can also be trained to pull wagons and are sometimes used as living attractions at Wild West-type venues.

      Finally, the longhorn's horns and skull and multi-colored hide are commonly used as fashionable accessories in homes and businesses that are decorated in the Southwestern style.

    A Few Cons

    • Bulls of any breed are notorious for being unpredictable and often mean. Longhorn bulls are particularly dangerous because of the long, sharp horns they wield. These animals have been known, on occasion, to gore their owners or other animals, sometimes even killing them. Longhorns can also be on the stubborn and independent side. Some ranchers attribute this to the many years this breed's ancestors spent fending for itself in the wild. Generally, though, most longhorns are quiet and easy to work around.