In 1493, Christopher Columbus brought Spanish cattle to Santo Domingo, and within two hundred years their descendents would be grazing the ranges of Mexico. In 1690, the first herd of cattle, about 200 head, were driven northward from Mexico to a mission near the Sabine River, a land that would eventually become known as Texas. Unlike the early missions and ranchers, who did not survive all of the elements, the Texas Longhorn not only survived, but thrived.By the time of the Civil War millions of Longhorns ranged between the mesquite-dotted sandy banks of the Rio Bravo to the sand beds of the Sabine River. Most were unbranded, survivors of Indian raids, scattered by stampedes and weather, escaped from missions or abandoned after ranch failures.
Men returning home to Texas from the Civil War found abandoned ranches, unplowed farm fields and herds of wild cattle, which would soon become gold in their pockets. In the next quarter century, 10 million head were trailed North to fatten on lush Midwestern grasses or shipped directly by rail to the beef-hungry East.The romantic legends of the Western Cowboy grew from this epic struggle, between man, beast and the elements, to convert wild cattle to cash. Longhorns, groomed by Mother Nature, were ideal for long drives. They could go incredible distances without water, rustle their own food, fend for themselves, swim rivers, and survive the desert sun and winter snow. But, by the turn of the century, a combination of overwhelming market demand and fenced in land drove this magnificent breed of cattle close to extinction.
Texas Longhorns, unique from any other breed, have helped pave the way for the future of the American cattle business while preserving their own uniqueness as a breed and as a trendsetter towards leaner beef. The Texas Longhorn - an old breed with a new future.
Consider Texas Longhorns For:
Lean Meat
The breed produces naturally less fat and lower cholesterol for today's health conscious public.
Longevity
Texas Longhorns breed well into their teens. More live calves over the years mean more dollars.
Browse Utilization
Less supplemental feed is needed because the cattle take advantage of the forage available.
Disease/Parasite Resistance
A natural immunity developed over the centuries means fewer veterinarian bills and less maintenance for today's cowman.
Reproductive Efficiency
Large pelvic openings and low birth weights result in live calves. Busy cattlemen can say "goodbye" to sleepless nights.
Docility
Longhorn cattle are intelligent, easy to work and to handle.
Adaptability
The breed thrives in climates from the hot, damp coastal regions to the harsh winters of Canada.
Hybrid Vigor
Heritable quality enhances your present breed and gives you a new genetic pool.
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