How to Identify Texas Longhorn Cattle

Texas Longhorn Cattle are the only breed in North America to evolve without human intervention. However, their leaner beef and ability to survive on poor land was not as valued as the ability of other breeds to gain weight quickly. Longhorn stock dwindled until it was saved from extinction by the United States Forest Service in 1927.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Observe the characteristic horns. The total horn length is routinely 60 to 70 inches in an adult bull and can reach 120 inches in individuals for which that trait is specifically bred.

2. Study the traits which have been naturally selected for the Texas Longhorn. The Longhorn subsists on brush, cactus or weeds and can go days without water. The Texas Longhorn remains fertile over an extreme range of temperatures. These qualities make the Texas Longhorn highly desirable for cross-breeding programs.

3. Look at the birthing behavior. Longhorns produce low birth weight calves for easy calving and the cows often go to a safe place to give birth alone.

4. Learn about the Texas Longhorn's extreme longevity. They typically live well into their late teens or early twenties, and a single cow can produce 20 or more calves.

5. Examine the naturally lean beef. The Texas Longhorn typically has 30 percent less fat than other breeds, with 10 to 15 percent less saturated fat.

Resources

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