How to Keep Longhorn Cattle in a Pen

The long, broad horns of longhorn cattle make them the most recognizable of all cattle breeds. Developed from stock originally transported from Spain to North America in the 15th and 16th century, longhorns are prized for their sprawling horns and mild temperaments. Their distinctive horns make longhorns more challenging to handle than other breeds, but even novice owners have little trouble keeping longhorn cattle.

Things You'll Need

  • Shelter
  • Hay
  • Water trough
  • Mineral-infused salt blocks
  • Cattle wormer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select a pen with a large, sturdy shelter to protect the cattle from the elements. The entrance to the shelter should be a minimum of 10 feet wide to allow longhorn cattle to enter and exit without the risk of catching their long horns on the doorway.

    • 2

      Open a one-ton round hay bale in the center of the pen and shake the free end of the bale to loosen it for grazing. Longhorns use more nutrients from dry forage than other species and eat as much as 20 pounds of clean, fresh hay each day.

    • 3

      Distribute water troughs evenly along the fence line, filling with clean water each morning. Longhorn cattle are acclimated to arid climates and typically drink approximately 1/2 gallon of water for every pound of dry feed they eat, so an adult longhorn eating 20 pounds of hay will drink 10 gallons of water per day. Drain and rinse troughs once a week to eliminate algae growth.

    • 4

      Add mineral-infused salt blocks near the bale of hay to encourage cattle to lick them as they graze. These large blocks supply necessary minerals that might be lacking in natural forage, while inhibiting overeating that is common in penned adult cattle. Replace salt blocks as necessary.

    • 5

      Worm cattle in early spring and late fall to eliminate parasite infestation. Worms are more common in penned longhorns as they don't have as much room to move and distribute infested feces over wide pasture lands, so worming is necessary to maintain a healthy herd. Purchase a liquid pour-on wormer from your veterinarian and pour the prescribed dose along the back of each animal.