Posted on January 23, 2009 - by Russell

Breed Guidelines - Heads

In this edition of our Breed Guidelines we will be taking a look at the head shape of Longhorn cattle. The head should show masculinity and femininity according to the sex of the animal. The head should have moderate width with pronounced length from the poll to muzzle. The profile should be straight. There should be some evidence of throat flap. The nose should not be extremely “pinched-in” above the nostrils. The head should not be short or blocky. A convex forehead, roman nose and a pendulous dewlap are all objectionable. The poll should be fairly flat without a knot on the top or without a v shape. These objectionable traits can be indicators of the influence of other breeds of cattle. Photos left to right…Photo 1) Example of flat poll with long feminine face, ear could be set closer to horns. Photo 2) Example of flat poll, small ears set close to horns, long feminine face. Photo 3)Example of flat poll, small ears set close to horns, long masculine face. Not blocky. Photo 4) Example of V poll and eye set is undesirable, thick horn all the way out. This is not a Longhorn but a Watusi. These traits are not as pronounced in a Watusi cross or infuenced animal but are still visible. Photo 5) Example of a knot on the poll, a questionable trait. Photo 6)Example of flat poll, small ears set close to horns, long masculine face. Not blocky. Photo 7) Is this a male or female? Answer, it is a bully looking female.