Posted on March 19, 2009 - by Russell

Breed Guidelines - Conformation

In this issue of Breed Guidelines we are going to be looking at the general conformation of Texas Longhorn cattle. The general type or form should exhibit good length of body with moderate depth and thickness of body. The top of the hips should be higher than the top of the shoulders. The body should have an elliptical shape for heat adaptation. Bulls should be slightly thicker and heavier muscled than cows. Bulls should exhibit crest development on the neck, not over the shoulders. The bones of both cows and bulls should be sound and dense. The feet and legs should be strong with free movement, squarely set, sound feet and joints. The front legs and shoulders of both cows and bulls should form a V shape, not square or rectangular. This helps with calving ease. Very short legs, sickle hocks, post legged, mule-footed and weak hocks are all objectionable traits that should be avoided.

Example of good brood cow conformation

Good feet and legs, V shaped legs and shoulders

Example of poor conformation and rear leg set