What do Longhorn cattle eat?
Longhorn cattle will eat a great variety of plants and grasses than other beef cattle. Therefore, longhorns will make more use of the available plant matter to convert to body weight and reduce the need for feed to be supplied to them.
Are Texas Longhorns good beef cattle?
Texas Longhorns were cared for largely as curiosities, but the stocks longevity, resistance to disease and ability to thrive on marginal pastures quickly revived the breed as beef stock. Texas Longhorn cattle can efficiently process many grassland products which go untouched by other breeds.
Are Longhorns easy to take care of?
“I heard that longhorns were smart and easy to take care of since they were virtually wild cattle for centuries. Well, now we’re in the longhorn business!” Bill and Sandy own one ranch near Wellington, Texas, and a second property 20 miles away in Childress County with 160 acres of pasture.
How do you keep cows from eating each other's horns?
To keep friends out of his feed a water squirt bottle will quietly keep the cows from sharing. Some are persistent, so take a full bottle. A harmless squirt in the face makes a peaceful meal time. As this article is being read, thousands of Texas Longhorns are growing horn, some very fast and some -- slow.
What do Longhorns eat?
Texas Longhorn cattle eat a wider range of grasses, plants, and weeds than do most other cattle. Texas Longhorn owners are able to use pastures that require less fertilizer and weed killers than owners of other breeds of cattle. The Texas Longhorn produces a very lean beef (more meat less fat per ounce).
How hard is it to raise longhorn cattle?
First off, they are one of the easiest breeds of cattle to raise and do not require a lot of cattle knowledge or experience working with cattle. One of the factors that make Longhorns a “no hassle” breed is their natural resistance to numerous diseases and parasites.
Do Longhorns eat hay?
If you have three of four big Texas Longhorn steers (or more) in the pasture they can really dominate a hay bale. The same goes for a breeding bull. Many times, when they finish feeding, they will make themselves comfortable and lay down right at the bottom of the bale.
Are longhorn cattle aggressive?
Longhorns are certainly a unique breed of cow. While they are often quite aggressive, they can still make loving farm companions as well as beef cattle, as they are known for their lean beef.
How much is a longhorn cow worth?
These are registered longhorns, which means their bloodlines have carefully curated and logged. Today, the average lot sells for just under $4,500, with the top cattle bringing in over $10,000 apiece. The buyers are mostly folks who got into this as hobby, but now are hooked. “It's a want-not-need market.
Can you make money with longhorns?
There is a ready market for Texas Longhorns for both roping and cutting stock. The cattle are quick, agile and live long, active lives. Texas Longhorns breed well into their teens, making them a lucrative investment.
Can Longhorns eat alfalfa?
Yes, Cows can eat Alfalfa, Alfalfa is widely recognized as a nutritional forage and used in the diet of beef and dairy cattle.
How many bales of hay does a cow need in the winter in Texas?
Depending on your pasturing system, you might have 100 to 150 days of feeding hay, which means 8 to 12 900-pound bales per cow for the winter.
How many Longhorns are in an acre?
Stocking Rates in Texas vary from 1 cow per acre on heavily managed pasture in the Eastern portion of the state to 1 cow per 150 acres (4 cows per section) in the Trans Pecos Region of the state.
What is the lifespan of a Longhorn?
Longhorns are famous for their long life span. Many live past 20 years of age, with an occasional one producing past 25 or 30. In commercial terms, this longer productive life means the rancher can retain fewer heifers to maintain herd size, allowing him to market more calves annually.
Do Longhorns like dogs?
In all the years that we have owned and been breeding them we have never been horned or even kicked - they are very respectful of people. Texas Longhorns will defend their calves against dogs so it's advisable to be careful if you work your cattle with dogs especially if the cows have young calves.
What are Longhorn cows good for?
The Texas longhorn is a beef animal and is known for its lean beef, which is lower in fat, cholesterol and calories than most beef. The Texas Longhorns are also used for their many excellent qualities adding hybrid vigor and easy calving abilities when crossed with other breeds.
How to breed Texas Longhorn?
Either keep the bull separate from your cows until breeding season, which ensures that all calves will be born at about the same time, or leave him with the herd year round, which reduces stress on the bull but provides less predictability for calving dates.
How long does it take for a cow to be ready for slaughter?
Cattle are ready for slaughter from nine months up to five years of age.
What is the only cattle breed that has adapted to America's climate and terrain without aid from man?
According to Dr. Stewart H. Fowler, Ph.D., the Texas Longhorn is the only cattle breed that has adapted to America's climate and terrain without aid from man. Longhorns are hardy creatures, recognized for their high fertility, easy calving, longevity and ability to thrive on the coarse grazing material of range lands.
How far can a Texas longhorn stretch?
Beware of a Longhorn's horns, which can stretch well over 6 feet from tip to tip. Each horn is a weapon that can gouge and injure humans and other cattle. Texas Longhorn: Survivor of the Past – Bright Promise for the Future; Dr. Stewart H. Fowler, PhD; 1996.
When do bull calves start to grow?
Castrate bull calves when they are about four months old. This gives them a period of growth boosted by testosterone but limits the hormone induced toughening of meat as they grow older. Wean Texas Longhorn calves when they are four to six months old.
Do you have to balance a calf before delivering?
However, you must balance the calf’s weight gain with the mother’s need to recover her strength before delivering her next calf. Separate beef calves from the main herd to fatten for market.
How do cows lose their horn tip?
When vertical pipes are two to four inches apart and parallel, it is a horn trap. When a cow is moving forward and a horn slips into a "parallel trap" something snaps.
How to keep biting insects off cattle?
Insects must be dealt with. There are oil rubs, pour-ons, and vapor tags to keep the biting insects off prized cattle. A bull with flies will dig his horns in the ground, paw and throw dirt on his back and eventually wear off horn tips. Managing biting insects will help reduce horn damage.
How many cows can a Texas bull breed?
A healthy mature Texas Longhorn bull can breed 60 to 150 cows per year, unlike other less athletic breeds. Forget what the colleges say about calving in a 45 day or 60 day time period and using one bull per 20 cows. That is for breeds that have major calving problems that require constant surveillance. If the best bull needs more time to get them all bred, do it. It is best to have more calves by the best bull even if calving is spread throughout the whole year.
How to train a bull to stay away from fences?
Rotate the use of pastures. Keep electric fences between bulls. Electricity trains bulls to stay away from fences, not to rub their horns on the barb wire and not to spar through the fence with other bulls. Electric will help train a bull so he doesn't get bad habits and will have many trouble free breeding seasons.
How to prevent horns from flaking?
To prevent a flaking and loss of horn, when young stock are being vaccinated or worked through chutes, generously rub some cheap thick grease on the horns, like bacon grease . This can be done with a paint mitt.
How to train cattle for a trailer?
The human touch, leading, brushing, and baths are all simple ways to educate. 2) Trailer training can be done by driving cattle into a trailer with a wide open front escape door.
Is horn a good protein?
Many arguments have ended in a dead-heat about necessary vitamins and minerals. Some theory is that horn is protein and a very high protein diet is the best. That is partly true.
A Key to Success
In just few paragraphs we will discuss one of the most vital factors in the successful production of Texas Longhorn cattle.
The AI Advantage
Artificial Insemination is a tool available for small producers to be competitive with established mature herds.
AWOL (Chain Your Trailer)
Take every measure to keep your cows off the highway. The police typically shoot them dead.
Branding
Hot iron cattle brands have friends and foe. Cattle rustlers hate a clear ID and holding brand.
Cattle Feeders - USA Strong
Are you tired of cheap junky feed store cattle feeders? Build your own durable feeders for less money.
Draw Down Technique
The Draw Down Technique is an old timer's rope technique. This method of laying a critter down is low budget and humane.
Hypothermic Calves
Preventing and treating hypothermia calves. Keep your baby calves warm!
How to be an animal farmer?
Keep your animals clean and well-groomed. It will directly help them stay healthy and prevent any diseases caused due to unhygienic living. Keeping your animals in good shape is your duty as a farmer if you take animal farming as a hobby. If your animals are not healthy, that also means you are not fit for the role of an animal farmer.
Do longhorn cattle need shelter?
Longhorns require bigger shelters than other cattle and birds. Make sure that your animals have enough space to relax. The shelters must have the right temperature and should always be dry to keep your animals warm and healthy. Wet floors can cause uneasiness to the animals and make them tired and more vulnerable to diseases.
How many calves can a longhorn cow produce?
Longhorn cows are capable of producing as many 20 or more calves. Longhorns have incredibly long productive life spans, longhorns typically live well into their late teens and often into their 20's, but some live past 20 years of age with some producing past age 25 or into their 30's.
Why do longhorns have to be cooked?
A longhorn's meat is really tough and has to be cooked a certain way because the meat is lean. Longhorns keep growing as long as they are healthy and fit. Unlike many other breeds, cows are at their prime at ten years and often continue to calf every year until their late teens and early 20's.
How long do calves lay down after nursing?
After nursing, they will lay down in tall grass or shrubs if available and may not nurse again for 24-36 hours. Calves usually stay down and lie quietly for a week or two before actively following it's mother. The average number of days to weaned is 205. Average weaning weight is 300-500 pounds.
How long does it take for a Texas Longhorn cow to lay down?
The gestation period of a Texas Longhorn cow is around 285 to 295 days in length. Longhorn calves are very small and fawn like in appearance. They are usually on their feet and nursing in about 10 minutes. After nursing, they will lay down in tall grass or shrubs if available and may not nurse again for 24-36 hours.
Is longhorn beef lean?
The leaner longhorn beef was not as attractive in an era where tallow was highly prized , and the longhorns ability to survive on often poor vegetation of the open range was no longs as much of an issue. Longhorns are recognized for their lean meat and therefore longhorn beef commands are high priced in the market.
What does it mean when cattle jump?
If you find the cattle jumping and/or running.. they are only reacting to you and your movements.. this means you need to slow down in your actions.. if you will work them calmly and slowly it is easier on them and you, and they never learn to go thru the fence trying to get away from the predator (you)...
Do oldtimers swear by longhorns?
But we also have found that the "Oldtimers" that have actually dealt with longhorns swear by them. We talk to our longhorns just like we do our horses.. they have personalities, and learn easily.. if you don't want them to learn bad habits.. then don't let the situation happen in the first place.
Do longhorns respond to commands?
Longhorns do respond to simple voice and simple hand commands and know their names. It is important that who ever you use for veternarian services, etc., actually likes longhorns.. if they do not, then they will not do a good job for you.. or treat your girls/herd/bulls right. Our experience with the commercial cattlemen world "usually" is not ...
What is a longhorn?
Longhorns are a dual-purpose animal , says Sandy. “You’ve got to select them for the job you want them to do: freezer animal or a pasture pretty. My goal is to put out a good-looking animal – one that’s pleasing to the eye – and to get some quality beef in the process,” she says.
How big do Martins horns grow?
The horns grow from 1 to 3 inches a month when they’re young. The Martins’ senior herd sire, BBQ, has a horn spread of more than 95 inches. A skull and horns can bring $450 to $2,000 for decoration, and the beautiful multicolored hides are made into chairs, couches, and other furniture.
How many cows did Bill and Sandy have?
They keep predators at bay and travel long distances for water and grazing, using low-quality forages when necessary. Bill and Sandy started their herd with two bred cows with calves at their side. Others were added as the couple researched pedigrees to breed either for beef or for horn characteristics.
How long have longhorns been around?
Nature made the longhorn savvy and lean over the 600 years since the first animals were introduced to North America by Spanish explorers. The hard hooves, long legs, and lethal horns, combined with natural intelligence, have enabled the breed to survive and prosper.
Where do the Martins sell beef?
For that reason, the Martins began selling USDA-inspected Texas longhorn beef at farmers markets in Oklahoma as well as from a retail building on their Wellington ranch. They sell frozen, vacuum-packed ground beef, steaks, smoked sausages, and related cuts. Livestock or Cattle.
Is a longhorn beef a deer?
The meat from a longhorn is similar to meat from a deer or an elk, says Bill. It is low in fat and cholesterol. “The longhorn is America’s original grass-fed beef,” he says.
