A
Anonymous
I copied and pasted this from the International Texas Longhorn Association website (http://www.itla.com). Some good info as to Longhorn crosses.
Scientific Studies
The Texas Longhorn's lack of fat, once a cause of near-extinction, is now recognized as one of the breed's strong qualities. Health conscious modern nutritionists consistently condemn the heavy fat content of some beef and whole-heartedly support the use of less fat, lower cholesterol meats like the Texas Longhorn.
Research at Oregon State University found that Texas Longhorns were highly immune to the deadly tansy ragwort plant which plagues the northwestern cattle industry. Iowa State University found Texas Longhorns to be highly resistant to virtual immunity to pinkeye, another expensive malady, is also well documented.
In a test of 11 breeds conducted by the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Texas Longhorn-sired calves graded USDA Choice 62%, a ratio of 104.2% compared to the all-breed test average. Longhorn-sired steers in this test had a 61.7% dressing percentage with an 81.8% ratio in fat thickness comparison. The Texas Longhorn-sired steers had an average fat thickness of 0.36" as compared with an average of 0.44" for the other 10 breed groups.
In scientific carcass evaluations, which will determine the future direction of the red meat industry, the Texas Longhorn's competitive strength over all other breeds is unique, due to their nature-produced anatomy and physiology. The National Western Stock show, in Denver, established the first and largest carcass evaluation in the world. A pen of five ¾-blood Texas Longhorn steers won Reserve Champion against all breeds with backfat ranging from 0.15" to 0.30". Yield grade ranged from 1.75 to 2.42 with rib-eye measurements over 13 sq. in.
In 1987, a Texas Longhorn-cross six-steer entry placed 2nd in the heavyweight steer division. These steers averaged 0.41" back fat, after 105 days on feed. The steers weighed in at 1,197 lbs. and had an average of 14 sq. inches of rib-eye, a cutability of 51.4% and Yield Grade 2. A prime grade steer from this group was the highest indexing prime grade animal for two years in a row. The following year Texas Longhorn crosses placed one 1st, two 2nd's, and a 3rd against world class competition.
On the West Coast, 1st place in the Group Carcass category of the 3rd Annual California Street Futurity, California Polytechnic Institute, was won by Texas Longhorn crosses. Of a total of 240 steers, entered by 23 ranches, the Longhorn cross's 108.8 index was the best recorded. The winning steers started on feed at an average weight of 678 lbs. and after 110 days they finished at 1,052 lbs. with a 3.40 lb. average daily gain. The average carcass weighed 639.6 lbs. with a 62% dress on a quality grade average of Choice-minus, Yield Grade 2. The back fat averaged 0.33" and the rib-eye area average was 11.50 sq. inches. The Texas Longhorn group also led the conversion rate with less feed required per pound of gain.
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Return to Longhorn Information Page
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Scientific Studies
The Texas Longhorn's lack of fat, once a cause of near-extinction, is now recognized as one of the breed's strong qualities. Health conscious modern nutritionists consistently condemn the heavy fat content of some beef and whole-heartedly support the use of less fat, lower cholesterol meats like the Texas Longhorn.
Research at Oregon State University found that Texas Longhorns were highly immune to the deadly tansy ragwort plant which plagues the northwestern cattle industry. Iowa State University found Texas Longhorns to be highly resistant to virtual immunity to pinkeye, another expensive malady, is also well documented.
In a test of 11 breeds conducted by the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Texas Longhorn-sired calves graded USDA Choice 62%, a ratio of 104.2% compared to the all-breed test average. Longhorn-sired steers in this test had a 61.7% dressing percentage with an 81.8% ratio in fat thickness comparison. The Texas Longhorn-sired steers had an average fat thickness of 0.36" as compared with an average of 0.44" for the other 10 breed groups.
In scientific carcass evaluations, which will determine the future direction of the red meat industry, the Texas Longhorn's competitive strength over all other breeds is unique, due to their nature-produced anatomy and physiology. The National Western Stock show, in Denver, established the first and largest carcass evaluation in the world. A pen of five ¾-blood Texas Longhorn steers won Reserve Champion against all breeds with backfat ranging from 0.15" to 0.30". Yield grade ranged from 1.75 to 2.42 with rib-eye measurements over 13 sq. in.
In 1987, a Texas Longhorn-cross six-steer entry placed 2nd in the heavyweight steer division. These steers averaged 0.41" back fat, after 105 days on feed. The steers weighed in at 1,197 lbs. and had an average of 14 sq. inches of rib-eye, a cutability of 51.4% and Yield Grade 2. A prime grade steer from this group was the highest indexing prime grade animal for two years in a row. The following year Texas Longhorn crosses placed one 1st, two 2nd's, and a 3rd against world class competition.
On the West Coast, 1st place in the Group Carcass category of the 3rd Annual California Street Futurity, California Polytechnic Institute, was won by Texas Longhorn crosses. Of a total of 240 steers, entered by 23 ranches, the Longhorn cross's 108.8 index was the best recorded. The winning steers started on feed at an average weight of 678 lbs. and after 110 days they finished at 1,052 lbs. with a 3.40 lb. average daily gain. The average carcass weighed 639.6 lbs. with a 62% dress on a quality grade average of Choice-minus, Yield Grade 2. The back fat averaged 0.33" and the rib-eye area average was 11.50 sq. inches. The Texas Longhorn group also led the conversion rate with less feed required per pound of gain.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Return to Longhorn Information Page
[email protected]
