Dee
why would someone use a horned hereford vs. a polled?
Hmmm ... why would someone raise one of those darned Longhorns? What about those horny shorthorns? Lets not forget those dairy animals. Don't those Brama whatevers have horns as well?
Original is one reason I suppose - another is some folks plumb do not mind horns. Others actually like them.
They are handy if you have to grab hold of an animal.
Horn paste:
Take your jacknife and cut off the tip of the horn. As soon as you can find the nub. Rub some paste on the horn. Take some duct tape (Red Green anyone?) and cover the horn. This keeps it off of the cows bag and out of her stomach for a few days.
In my opinion - it works but not as good as cutting them off. Or heck, if you are planning on keeping the animal - put some weights on the tips and curl them down.
Txag has the "black is the only colour" syndrome going today. What if they are crossed with a RED angus?
You have not provided enough information. Txag is on the mark if crossed with blacks - so anticipate seeing blacks with some type of white face or facial markings.
If crossed with reds - well, they will be red baldies - looking an awful lot like their moms.
Is the cross a polled hereford and an angus? Then bred to a horned bull? If this is the case, then you will likely have few horns if any. Maybe lots if the polled hereford had some horns in his background.
Be advised it is not unusual to have horns sprout from the heads of polled animals - depends on how far back you go in their individual gene pool - but sooner or later - if you dig you will find some horns.
Txag knows the homo / hetero stuff far better than I. But that is because I have no interest in it. If the cross looks like it will be a good one I use it. Horns are the least of my worries.
Have fun - I hope they are all you want them to be. Above all I hope they are healthy - get them vet checked - before you pay for them! Vendor in my area pays the vet for any that do not pass the check. Get all their records. If there are not any records - well, I might be - no I would be - a lot more cautious.
Despite my confusing ramblings there is one thing you must remember - and mark my words on this.
If you are going to raise cattle - you will have to deal with horns. They are not a handicap or a disfigurement. They are natural - and very easily removed if you so choose.
Finally - make us all a solemn vow - I want you to promise on this site:
You will not post a "Help my cow is sick / whatever" unless you have consulted your veterinarian and that veterinarian has actually seen the cow first.
Best of luck on your purchase. 8)
Bez