About Texas Longhorn Cattle
Texas longhorn cattle are a species unique to the United States of America whose evolutionary lineage extends back to the first cattle imported into the country. They are characterized by their white and burnt-orange coloring and their large horns, which can reach lengths of up to 7 feet from tip to tip. They are prized for their genetic qualities, and individuals can command large fees as breeding cattle.
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Origins
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Texas longhorn cattle are a species of cow that evolved naturally in America. A species that developed from the first cattle imported to the United States by the Spanish in the 15th century, it is the only cow that, without the intervention of man, naturally developed in the country. Their survival is due to their hardiness and ability to adapt to environmental circumstances. Initially farmed in the southwest of the country, herds were introduced to the Great Plains following the destruction of the buffalo herds. They have been crossbred with other species of cattle to create dairy and meat cows ever since.
Near Extinction
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Such was the popularity of using the longhorn to crossbreed with other species (breeders hoped to transmit the longhorn's hardiness into other types of farmed cows), that the stock of true Texas longhorn cattle dwindled and by the early 20th century they were close to extinction. However, in 1927 the United States Forest Service gathered a small herd in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma and began breeding true Texas longhorns.
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Breeders Association
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The Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of America was formed in 1964 in Lawton, Oklahoma. One of the motivations for the formation of the association was that, at the time, there were fewer than 1,500 genuine Texas longhorns alive. The association is committed to disseminating information on the importance of the species in American history while celebrating and supporting breeders.
Meat
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Texas longhorn cattle are renowned for the quality of their meat. It is low in fat and cholesterol, while high in protein and nutrients such as iron and omega-3 fatty acids. It is also rich in vitamin E and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has antioxidant properties that could help prevent cancer.
Texas Culture
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The longhorn cow has become an important symbol in the cultural life of the state of Texas. It is the state's official “large mammal” and it is the official symbol of the city of Fort Worth. Indeed, the city is nicknamed “Cowtown.” The mascot of the University of Texas is a longhorn, and their sports teams wear white and orange-colored uniforms in honor of the species.
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References
- Photo Credit longhorn steer image by buckwheat from Fotolia.com
