Running Arrow Bill
Well-known member
Here's another one of our Longhorn foundation stock:

Frankie":2ffscj0n said:Just curious, Bill. Would you explain what "foundation stock" means? Thanks....
Running Arrow Bill":2qzrw885 said:Frankie":2qzrw885 said:Just curious, Bill. Would you explain what "foundation stock" means? Thanks....
"Breeding Stock". Purebred registered Longhorns.
On a sidebar: Longhorns are not considered "pureblood" since they originated from Spanish cattle imported to USA around 500 years ago. Through natural selection, outcrossing, etc., 7 Longhorn "families" emerged with more or less unique traits. Now, there are probably only about 4-5 popular families (e.g., Butler, Phillips, Wichita Refuge, etc.). The Marks and Peeler bloodlines only have few remaining.
Most of the foundation stocks of today are a blend of the best traits of the original 7 families. The 100% Butler and the Wichita Refuge families are still maintained as "closed herds", even though breeders use these 100% animals to cross with selected others for breed improvement.
little lengthy response; however, wanted to add more info on the breed...![]()
Frankie":1og806g2 said:Running Arrow Bill":1og806g2 said:Frankie":1og806g2 said:Just curious, Bill. Would you explain what "foundation stock" means? Thanks....
"Breeding Stock". Purebred registered Longhorns.
On a sidebar: Longhorns are not considered "pureblood" since they originated from Spanish cattle imported to USA around 500 years ago. Through natural selection, outcrossing, etc., 7 Longhorn "families" emerged with more or less unique traits. Now, there are probably only about 4-5 popular families (e.g., Butler, Phillips, Wichita Refuge, etc.). The Marks and Peeler bloodlines only have few remaining.
Most of the foundation stocks of today are a blend of the best traits of the original 7 families. The 100% Butler and the Wichita Refuge families are still maintained as "closed herds", even though breeders use these 100% animals to cross with selected others for breed improvement.
little lengthy response; however, wanted to add more info on the breed...![]()
Interesting take, I suppose. I've always used and heard "foundation" in relation to the animals most of a herd can be traced back to. Leachman Lass, for example, is the "foundation" of some well know Angus herds in the US. Thanks for your explanation....