Reference Library

Texas Longhorns Feed Out in Kansas

Who says Texas Longhorn cattle won't feed out? Just ask Dick Robbins, Anchor D Ranch, Belvidere, KS.

For the past five years, Robbins has participated in the Pratt Area Extension Futurity at Pratt Feeders, Inc., Pratt. KS. According to Paul Hartman, County Extension Agent, the purpose of the futurity is to provide area cattle producers with data concerning live animal performance and carcass traits of steers produced from their herds. It helps the producer evaluate the kind of cattle he wants to fit into his livestock program and provides another marketing alternative by retaining ownership of steers. The unique thing about the futurity is that carcass traits are compiled and evaluated on each individual animal so that producers bring steers by different breeds, sires, and dams, and will let him genetically evaluate the best producing animal within his herd.

This year Robbins placed three groups of Texas Longhorn cross steers on test. The first group (Simmental bulls on Texas Longhorn cross cows) had an average daily gain (ADO) of 3.39 with a hot carcass weight of 740 lbs., dressing Out at 64.13%. All quality graded choice or select. Most of the steers yield graded 1 or 2. Cost/cwt gain was $45 .71.

The other two groups were fullblood Texas Longhorn X fullblood Simmental. Together they had a final ADG of 2.72, dressing at 62.49. All 23 quality graded choice or select, again with yield grades of 1 or 2.

It was also noted that the Texas Longhorn cross steers had the lowest hospital bill of any animals entered.

Robbins uses the data collected from the futurity as a marketing tool. "More folks should take advantage of tests like this," says Robbins. It gives you an idea how your breeding program is doing and gives other folks concrete evidence of what Texas Longhorns can do in their herd."

Texas Longhorn Trails February 1992