Why was the Texas longhorn significant to the cattle kingdom?

Answer 1

TL's are not nearly as popular as Black Angus cattle or any of the other beef breeds because both of the colouration of their hides and the presence of their horns. Salebarns will dock for hides that are of mottled colour and cattle that have horns. Because of this Longhorns are best for direct-selling meat, for rodeo stock, and as lawn ornaments.

Texas Longhorns almost went into extinction around 100 years ago because most of them, those wild cattle that lived and grew in population in the Southwestern states and territories had been rounded up and sold to slaughter houses back East. But with careful breeding and consistent attention to making sure the breed increases in popularity, Texas Longhorns have made a come-back. However, they will never be as popular as they once were 200 years ago.

Answer 2

Texas Longhorn cattle were a popular breed of cattle in Western Texas because they are the only cattle truly adapted to the environment of Texas. Their ancestors were brought to the United States over 500 years ago. Through a process of natural selection, they became the best adapted cattle for a harsh environment.

Answer 3

They are a hardy breed that can survive on the limited vegetation of the area. The horns make them easy to rope for the Texans. This is a necessity due to the lack of mental capacity of the Texans.

Answer 4

Because they are the breed of cattle that continues to represent the American Old West and its romance, Texas Longhorns are often being retained for their elegance and beauty. Due to the gentle dispositions they are now being used as riding steers. This breed can be crossed with others to throw a hybrid vigor (an offspring with better traits than the parents) and calving ease. It is leaner than other beef breeds, leaving the meat lower in fat, cholesterol, and and calories.

Answer 5

Their ability to be highly adaptable to the rough grazing conditions they were (and still are) subject to, and their carcass quality. Also, Texas Longhorns were pretty much the only breed that could be used for beef production. Herefords followed suit in the late 1800s and by the time the 20th century came around, they took over the Longhorns.

Answer 6

They were the only type of cattle available in the 1800's that could be raised and used for beef production in the United States, particularly in the western territories. They were tough, durable, and could be raised with minimal to no human management or interference. At the time, they were the only and best cattle that could be raised in the rough and tough conditions of the Southwestern portion of the USA.

Answer 7

It is the single most important/perfect thing in the history of mankind

Answer 8

Meat production, mainly, but also as rodeo stock, especially for calf roping or steer Wrestling, and as lawn ornaments to show off those wide-spread horns and unique colour patterns.

Answer 9

They were the only breed available at the time for ranchers and cowboys to herd to the Northern and Eastern markets for beef.