Texas show steers need to match the standards set for the class in which they are entered. Classes may be for British breeds such as Angus, Red Angus, Shorthorn and Hereford (polled and horned); for American breeds such as Brangus, Santa Gertrudis or Brahman or for Continental/Exotic Breeds which includes the Simbrah, Simmental and Charolais. There are a number of other types which are also eligible for competition.
The baldy-faced Hereford is quite well known. Not every red and white cow is a Hereford however. Other particulars are important, especially the white markings. For show purposes, the Hereford should have a white belly, face and legs but without the white extending too far up the legs and body. A beast with solid-colored ears and neck would also lose points. Polled animals must have no evidence of horns apart from loose scurs.
The first Herefords arrived in the USA in 1817. They are named for Herefordshire in England. Crossed with the tough, hardy longhorn, they revolutionized beef production. While the crossbreds retained the toughness needed to survive the overland drives to railheads, the Hereford blood resulted in a vast improvement in the quality of the meat.
The Angus (or Aberdeen Angus) is another British breed which is easily recognizable. It is a solid black, polled breed with small to moderate ears. These are set high on the head. The sheath should be perpendicular to the ground. The only allowable white is a small amount on the navel. The skin must also be black. Pink or white-skinned animals would be disqualified from an Angus class.
Originating in Scotland, the Aberdeen Angus is named for two Scottish counties. The first bulls were imported to America in 1873. They were also used over longhorns. The offspring were heavier and thicker. The genes for the black coat and for the lack of horns are dominant. Polled cattle cause less damage to each other during penning and transport.
Bos indicus breeds originated in Asia while British and continental breeds belong to the Bos taurus group. The former cope well with hot humid conditions. These breeds have quite long, drooping ears which open down and forward. The sheath is slightly angular and there is a prominent hump on the shoulders. Brahman types, sometimes listed as American Breeds, are Bos indicus and therefore, the ear shape and length becomes important. Brahmans have long ears which droop slightly. They can be any color or combination of colors.
The Brangus is another Bos indicus breed developed by crossing the Brahman with the Angus. Like the Angus, it is solid black but has drooping ears and a slightly angular sheath. In competitive classes, the Brangus should be polled and show no evidence of having been dehorned. There should be no white on the legs, tail or feet.
Another class of steer is the continental or exotic type. The Charolais is classed as a continental breed. Steers entered as Charolais type must show traits of a 50% purebred animal. While classification is only by visual appraisal, it is clearly an advantage if there is no doubt about the breed of an animal. When selecting suitable beasts for showing as Texas show steers, it is sensible to have an experienced person help choose appropriate animals.
The baldy-faced Hereford is quite well known. Not every red and white cow is a Hereford however. Other particulars are important, especially the white markings. For show purposes, the Hereford should have a white belly, face and legs but without the white extending too far up the legs and body. A beast with solid-colored ears and neck would also lose points. Polled animals must have no evidence of horns apart from loose scurs.
The first Herefords arrived in the USA in 1817. They are named for Herefordshire in England. Crossed with the tough, hardy longhorn, they revolutionized beef production. While the crossbreds retained the toughness needed to survive the overland drives to railheads, the Hereford blood resulted in a vast improvement in the quality of the meat.
The Angus (or Aberdeen Angus) is another British breed which is easily recognizable. It is a solid black, polled breed with small to moderate ears. These are set high on the head. The sheath should be perpendicular to the ground. The only allowable white is a small amount on the navel. The skin must also be black. Pink or white-skinned animals would be disqualified from an Angus class.
Originating in Scotland, the Aberdeen Angus is named for two Scottish counties. The first bulls were imported to America in 1873. They were also used over longhorns. The offspring were heavier and thicker. The genes for the black coat and for the lack of horns are dominant. Polled cattle cause less damage to each other during penning and transport.
Bos indicus breeds originated in Asia while British and continental breeds belong to the Bos taurus group. The former cope well with hot humid conditions. These breeds have quite long, drooping ears which open down and forward. The sheath is slightly angular and there is a prominent hump on the shoulders. Brahman types, sometimes listed as American Breeds, are Bos indicus and therefore, the ear shape and length becomes important. Brahmans have long ears which droop slightly. They can be any color or combination of colors.
The Brangus is another Bos indicus breed developed by crossing the Brahman with the Angus. Like the Angus, it is solid black but has drooping ears and a slightly angular sheath. In competitive classes, the Brangus should be polled and show no evidence of having been dehorned. There should be no white on the legs, tail or feet.
Another class of steer is the continental or exotic type. The Charolais is classed as a continental breed. Steers entered as Charolais type must show traits of a 50% purebred animal. While classification is only by visual appraisal, it is clearly an advantage if there is no doubt about the breed of an animal. When selecting suitable beasts for showing as Texas show steers, it is sensible to have an experienced person help choose appropriate animals.
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