Texas Longhorn Characteristics

Texas longhorn cattle being raised today for both food and recreation are an example of "survival of the fittest." Unlike some livestock developed through special breeding, Texas longhorns developed naturally, adapting to their surroundings as ranchers and their families moved them throughout the American plains. The first cattle to inhabit North America, Texas longhorns date back almost 500 years, developing a special set of characteristics over the centuries that make them a popular breed.

  1. Breeding

    • Cows

      Texas longhorn cows are productive mothers with genes that provide for high reproduction numbers and long-term fertility with some cows birthing calves yearly as late as their teens and early 20s. Calf delivery is relatively quick and easy for these sturdy, prolific mothers, with the cows milking well and being protective and nurturing of their young.

      Bulls

      Texas longhorn males are strong animals, sturdy and demonstrating good stamina which makes them ideal for the once popular and still practiced long-distance cattle drives. They are solid breeders and appropriately aggressive with females. Even the most heavily-bred sires are productive into their mid-teens. Some ranchers use their longhorn bulls strictly to impregnate their own herds while others hire their bulls out for stud. Some top sire line longhorn bulls are also popular subjects for artificial insemination with semen being a prime and lucrative commodity for their breeders.

    Adaptability and Health

    • Longhorns are a hardy breed of cattle, grazing on almost any groundcover that meets their nutritional needs, making them perfect cattle for any climate. They've adapted well from their origins in hot, dry Texas, thriving now in the humid Gulf Coast and even the intense cold of winters in the Plains states, including Montana, Wyoming, the Dakotas, Nebraska and even Canada. Texas longhorn cattle are fairly resistant to parasites and disease, and thus is a durable breed resulting in less loss to cattle producers through illness-related death and a reduction in costs for medical care.

    Handling

    • Texas longhorn cattle are usually quite gentle and easy to herd by horseback or on foot. Their calm demeanor also makes them good cattle for beginner ranchers such as students learning the craft through Future Farmers of America and 4H, making them excellent subject for livestock shows. Their demeanor and sturdy build also make them perfect for recreational use in competitive roping, cutting and penning.

    Beef Processing

    • Texas longhorns are popular for beef processing as the meat contains roughly 30 percent less muscle fat than steak from other breeds. The quality, marbling and flavor of the meat are similar to other breeds, yet the amount of saturated fat is about 15 percent less than traditional stock, making longhorn beef popular among the growing number of health-conscious beef consumers.