Longhorn Cattle Information

The Texas longhorn descends from the first European cattle introduced to the Americas and was a favorite among ranchers until the early 20th century. The number of purebred longhorns plummeted dramatically until they regained popularity as show animals serving as living links to America's frontier heritage. The English longhorn was prevalent in the United Kingdom until the 19th century, but only a few purebred specimens survive today.

  1. History

    • Texas longhorns were a popular breed up through the mid-19th century and filled the void in the Great Plains left after the bison were hunted to extinction in the region. Southwestern cattle ranchers eagerly drove their herds into the territory to take advantage of the lush grazing lands. By 1900, European cattle that were meatier and fattier gained favor among ranchers and consumers, and purebred Texas longhorns became rare. The federal government stepped in to preserve the breed in 1927 by establishing wildlife refuges in Oklahoma and Nebraska where longhorn herds could be preserved.

    Physical Characteristics

    • The Texas longhorn is a rugged animal capable of withstanding extremes of heat and cold, and has the endurance to handle long cattle drives. Cows remain fertile well into their teens and occasionally into their 30s. Cows typically weigh between 800 and 1,200 pounds, with steers weighing approximately 1,000 to 1,200 pounds. Texas longhorns are notable for their long hind legs and short forelegs that support their large, heavy forequarters. Texas longhorn hides were originally red or brown, though today the breed exhibits a variety of colors.

    Horns

    • Texas longhorns typically have a hairy patch on their heads between their horns. Steers have longer horns than cows, with a typical span of about 5 feet between the tips. Horns can span 7 to 8 feet between tips, though it's uncommon.

    Beef

    • While Texas longhorns don't have as much meat on their frames as European cattle, their beef is lean and lower in fat and cholesterol than beef from most other breeds. Consumer demand for lean, heart-healthy beef is partly responsible for the Texas longhorn's resurgence.

    Show Breeding

    • Texas longhorns have become prized as show animals, and many breeders raise these cattle for the prestige they bring. Horns are the breed's characteristic most valued among breeders; the wider the span between horns, the more prized the longhorn. Raising Texas longhorns can also qualify owners for an agricultural tax exemption, which can reduce property taxes by up to 50 percent.

    English Longhorn

    • English longhorns are beef cattle native to central and northwest England. They were the most prevalent breed of beef cattle until shorthorn breeds gained popularity in the early 19th century. The number of purebred English longhorns has diminished considerably since then, and now their preservation is in the hands of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. Only 255 purebred English longhorns were known to exist in 1980, but through conservation and breeding efforts, more than 2,500 females are registered today.