Texas Longhorns WHAT MAKES TEXAS “TEXAS”? by Rachel Strickland
Bluebonnets, rodeos, and barbecue come to mind when thinking about Texas, but perhaps the most iconic symbol of the Old West is one that’s been around for centuries – longhorn cattle. Aptly named for their exceptionally long horns, which can span more than eight feet in length and provide a powerful defense, longhorns have become a cultural icon for Texas. In 1995, longhorns were recognized as the official large state mammal.
A HISTORICAL JOURNEY Texas longhorns descended from the first cattle brought to the New World more than 500 years ago by Spanish explorers — including Christopher Columbus — and served as a food source for colonists. The cattle were then brought north to what is now Texas by early American settlers. Over time, these cattle evolved into the exceptionally well-adapted and rugged breed now known as the Texas longhorn. In the 1920s, longhorns faced extinction due to interbreeding, which diluted their bloodline, but the species was saved by wildlife enthusiasts at a refuge in Oklahoma. Raising longhorn cattle offers significant advantages that make them the preferred breed by cattlemen and ranchers. They have adapted to the hot Texas climate thanks to their thick coats, which protect them from ultraviolet rays and are also fairly resistant to diseases and pests. They are 24
F E B R UA R Y 2024 LIBER T Y HILL D IGES T
known to be intelligent and easy to work with — they can even be trained to walk in parades or shown in livestock exhibits.
SUSTAINABLE & LOW MAINTENANCE Aside from the ease of raising them, the primary reason people keep longhorns is for their meat, which is significantly leaner than that of other cattle breeds. In fact, grass-fed Texas longhorns typically produce meat with less cholesterol than a skinless chicken breast. Also, as a food source, longhorns are prized for their long life span and efficient reproduction. The animals live as long as 30 years and sustain healthy reproduction for more than half their lifetime, largely due to females’ ability to give birth without human intervention, which lowers labor costs for ranchers.
