Longhorns

The term Longhorns most commonly refers to the Texas Longhorn, a cattle breed famous for its long horns. The breed originated from Spanish cattle introduced to the Americas in the 16th century and was developed by ranchers across Texas and the Southwest. It is characterized by a wide range of coat colors and patterns and by long, curved horns that can extend well beyond the body.

Physically, Longhorns are hardy and adaptable, well suited to hot, dry climates. They are efficient foragers, tolerant of drought, and typically have good fertility and calving ease. Body size varies, and horns may span several feet tip-to-tip, giving each animal a distinctive silhouette.

Historically, the numbers of Texas Longhorns declined in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as ranchers shifted to more specialized beef cattle. Conservation efforts by breed associations and ranchers helped revive and preserve the breed, and today Longhorns are kept both for breeding stock and as a heritage breed.

Uses and significance: Longhorns are primarily bred for beef with a reputation for lean meat and efficient foraging. They require less supplemental feed in some grazing systems and are attractive for low-input ranching and conservation grazing.

Cultural presence: The name Longhorns is associated with the sports teams of the University of Texas at Austin, whose mascot Bevo is a living Texas Longhorn steer. The term also appears in various branding and ranching contexts.