A Field Guide to Heritage Cattle

(Page 7 of 7)

Jennifer Nemec and Oscar H. Will III
July/August 2007
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Milking Shorthorn

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Shorthorn cattle were brought into the United States as a multipurpose breed, and the Milking Shorthorn represents the pinnacle of the colonial cattle’s dairy potential. Milking Shorthorns were officially recognized as a dairy breed in 1968. Cows are known for their ability to calve on their own and for efficiently converting self-harvested forage into high-quality milk.

size: large 
coat:  red, white or roan 
horns:  small or polled 
use:  dairy 
origins:  northeast England 
availability:  plentiful 
climate:  temperate 
ALBC  rating: watch

www.MilkingShorthorn.com 
American  Milking Shorthorn Society 
800  Pleasant St. 
Beloit, WI   53511-5456
608-365-3332

Texas Longhorn

Descendents of the first cattle brought to North America by Spanish explorers, Texas Longhorns were formed from a few hundred years of natural selection. These once-wild cattle know how to fend for themselves in practically any environment, exhibit unprecedented parasite and disease resistance, have remarkably long lives and produce quality beef.

size: large 
coat:  varies widely 
horns:  large 
use: beef 
origins:  American Southwest 
availability:  plentiful 
climate:  temperate 
ALBC  rating: not rated

www.TLBAA.org 
Texas Longhorn Breeders Assoc. of America 
P.O. Box 4430
Fort Worth, TX 76164
817-625-6241

Jennifer Nemec, an associate editor for Grit, was raised by a cattleman and spent the first 11 years of her life watching purebred Simmental go from the pasture to the tank and back again.

Cattleman turned Grit editor Oscar “Hank” Will III looks forward to stocking his Osage County, Kansas, farm soon with at least three heritage breeds.

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Archived Comments

  • Denise 6/19/2009 11:40:33 PM

    We have Dexters. They are a wonderful little cow that is perfect for the small holding and the beginner. However, I must object to the way you say that the dwarf gene hasn't been 100% bred out. Sure there can be a problem if two carriers are bred. To avoid this know if the animals you intend to breed are carriers or not, and don't breed to another carrier unless you have to or you really want the blood line.

    Not everyone wants to breed the gene out totally. It is good to know if your animal is a carrier, but just because an animal is a carrier doesn't mean it's not just as good as the non carrier animals.

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