How to Identify Santa Gertrudis Cattle

Santa Gertrudis Cattle were developed on the King Ranch in Texas and was the first cattle breed recognized as originating in the United States. A cross between English Shorthorn and Indian Brahman cattle, they were bred for heat and insect resistance and beef production. These cattle are now found in most areas of the world. Here's how to identify them.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Find a deep cherry red color on a purebred Santa Gertrudis, or they can be almost black with some reddish highlights. The hair coat will be short and curly in winter and sleek in summer and their skin is thick and loose with large dewlaps on their chests.

2. Look for horns on large, broad heads, as all Santa Gertrudis Cattle are not naturally hornless. Some have probably been dehorned, but most Santa Gertrudis bulls and some cows will have horns. The horns will curl up and back from their large droopy ears.

3. Note that they are usually large bodied and well-muscled. They are massive all over with a pronounced shoulder hump and large hind quarters. Average Santa Gertrudis females weigh about 1,600 pounds and males can weigh more than a ton.

4. Identify Santa Gertrudis Cattle by their hardy nature, and athletic movement. Don't try to outrun a mad Santa Gertrudis bull on foot--you'll lose.

Resources

• Visit the website of the historic King Ranch, developer of Santa Gertrudis Cattle.
• View pictures and purchase Santa Gertrudis Cattle at Rose Hill Gerts website.
• Browse the official website of the Mid-Coast Santa Gertrudis Association for information.

[cattleman]

on 10/15/2009 Gerts are NEVER black: they can be polled:Their hair is not curly:horns curl down!You have your breeds mixed up!!!