Texas Longhorn Cattle

Texas Longhorn Cattle, or the cattle of the world, are believed to originate from Bos indicus (the humped cattle of Asia) or Bos taurus (the wild cattle of Europe). Fascinatingly, on the voyages of Christopher Columbus, the Spanish first brought long-horned cattle to the Americas in the 1490s. Descendants of these ocean voyagers constituted the initial cattle population North America.

The unique traits, such as lethal horns spanning up to seven feet, hard hooves and diverse hides, were genetically “fixed” through survival of the fittest, resulting in ecologically adapted bovine families with extremely good health, fertility, teeth, disease resistance and physical soundness. The demand for tallow and hides was the driving force of the cattle business in early America, as well as the breed’s unique natural lean meat. Longhorns are famous for their long life span, some surpassing the age of 25. In the late 19th century, the Texas Longhorn faced the threat of extinction. However, through conservation efforts their population has been restored and they continue to be the true American cowboy breed! 

Our big brindle gal Mile Marker Madeline was shown in the National Western Stock Show and is the daughter of a Grand Champion! Her offspring Jolene and Josephine enjoy sunny days on the ranch and love to greet us with a loud moo whenever they see us. Their bond with our donkeys is a delight to watch from up atop the barn house deck.