Posted on April 13, 2009 - by Russell

Breed Guidelines - Necks and Shoulders

In this issue of Breed Guidelines we will be taking a look at the necks and shoulders of Longhorn cattle. The neck should be trim in cows and masculine in bulls. Very short or very long necks along with ewe neck is consider objectionable. The shoulders of a Longhorn should be free moving, smooth and well muscled. They should not have “open shoulders” which is where the shoulder blades stick up higher on each side of the backbone creating a sunk in area between the shoulder blades over the backbone. Shoulders and legs should form a V shape, this helps with calving ease. Square or blocky fronts should be avoided because of a possible negetive effect on calving ease of the resulting offspring.

Example of rough and high shoulders

Example of smooth shoulders with the shoulders and legs forming a V shape

Example of a slight ewe neck