Texas Longhorn cattle are among the most recognizable of all cattle breeds. They are immediately identified by their horns that can reach as far as seven feet or more from one tip to the other.
The breed came into existence when early settlers in Texas bred feral cattle from Mexico with an eastern breed. The result was a lean animal that could survive on sparse land and was resistant to disease. This natural immunity makes them relatively low maintenance and veterinarian bills are low. Since they will seek out available forage, they require less supplemental feed.
The breed was becoming extinct during the 1920s until the national Forest Service started breeding a small herd in Oklahoma. Texas ranchers revived the breed a few years later and today they are raised as beef cattle or for show. The lean meat is desirable because it contains less cholesterol, calories and fat than other types of beef.
The Cattlemen's Texas Longhorn Registry is an organization that officially verifies parentage to help breeders preserve the purest bloodline possible. No two animals look exactly alike. They all have different patterns and are born in a variety of colors including red, black, brown, blue and white. The breed is known to be highly intelligent, easy to work with and has a gentle disposition. They are sometimes trained to serve as riding steers.
Commercial ranchers often cross them with other breeds because they reproduce effectively and will breed until age 13 and beyond. Pregnant cows will often wander away to have the calf and then return with its offspring. This is only a problem if the mother hides the calf to keep it safe from predators. When this happens, the rancher is forced to go look for the hiding place and retrieve the calf.
The state of Texas has an official herd of Texas Longhorn cattle. These specially designated animals are cared for the by the state's Parks and Wildlife Department and the Historical Commission. The main herd is based at Fort Griffin State Historic Site and individual animals are housed in various state parks. Fort Worth named the breed as its official city symbol.
Author Resource:
Red Peak Ranch offers Texas Longhorn Cattle for Sale . They offer bulls, ropers, steers, and cows. If you would like more information on inventory be sure to visit their website.
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