EXCELLENT SPECIMENS OF BEEF CATTLE GENETICS TRAVELED UP THE TRAIL BETWEEN 1867 AND 1890

Like those steers, El Coyote's Texas Longhorns, represent the seven historic Longhorn families, that will never personally pass-on their strengths to future generations. But they are not wasted. It is through these exquisite Texas Longhorns that the proof of our excellent beef cattle exists.

At El Coyote Ranch, the Texas Longhorn breed's foundation traits are remembered and valued, keeping their history alive and heritage active. Using instinctive strengths and natural traits the Texas Longhorn steer becomes a trophy of much greater value than ever realized before. This cattle breed has withstood harsh environments and met economic challenges and retained the same Longhorn characteristics developed naturally on open range. These are the same characteristics cattle breeders struggle to maintain or reintroduce after years of intense selection pressure.

Bred wisely, blended with crossbred and composite breeds and selected for economic gain, today's Texas Longhorn cattle can make a significant impact on the beef cattle industry. Simply put, Texas Longhorn's make excellent beef cattle.

EL COYOTE RANCH:
There is a long history behind Texas Longhorns and still quite a lot of evolution to happen as we explore this breed of livestock that was so near extinction just seventy-five years ago. There is a purpose and place for this cattle breed in today's world. The reason they have survived is the very reason we believe in them. "They're good working cows and excellent beef cattle, who just happen to have long horns and beautiful hides."

Texas longhorns have far more to offer us than their hides and horns and as beef cattle. Subjected to the cruelest demands nature imposed and the most careless overuse that man imposed, Texas Longhorns prevailed. As this cattle breed continues to find its way in a competitive industry, its contributions will be remembered and its will to survive revered.

A HARD WON INDEPENDENT STREAK TYPIFIES THE AMERICAN RANCHER...

But the very independence that causes him to survive can be the undoing of both time honored traditions and much needed progress. Today's beef business is a complex maze of generalists and specialists. Seedstock breeders. Commercial cow-calf ranchers. Stocker cattlemen. Feed lot operators. Beef packers. Grocery butchers. Restaurant chefs. Fast food burger flippers. They make their own decisions, yet they rely on the choices of all the others in the push for profit.

Seedstock breeders study pedigrees which trace centuries of breeding. These days they've added to that list of names numerical expressions for traits. Extensive records support the intense selection which drives genetic change These facts make purebred cattle predictable and worth more money.

Commercial cow-calf ranchers select females which suit their environment and their market. Cows must produce a calf every year and must produce milk to raise that calf to a high weaning weight. Ranchers increase weights by investing in the genetics of purebred bulls. Purebred records are proof that seedstock sire will add more pounds and more profit.

Stocker cattlemen and feed lot operators look to instill their herds with cattle that stay healthy and get heavy. Their goal is to have large groups of cattle ready on the right day to meet a buyer's rigid specifications. The more predictability that is bred-in, the more dependable the cattle and the more dollars these cattlemen make on the trade.

Beef packers buy cattle to fit strict quality standards and yield expectations. When selecting a pen of live steers, buyers must imagine what's under the hide and bet on what they'll find there in red meat and fat.. They know breeds and they study trends to solve their economic puzzle. Smart purchasing decisions plus efficient processing equals profit.

Retailers expect consistency in the beef they offer. Whether from the meat case or a white tablecloth restaurant, their customer wants a tender, juicy, and good-tasting piece of beef every time. Consumers also want to know that their meat is lean, nutritious and safe to eat. They'll pay a premium for excellent beef, but they demand value.

Competition between beef and all other meats means that rancher, processor and salesman alike must work together to make our product profitable in the marketplace. We must produce consistent quality and we must keep the product affordable. Independence made ranching a way of life. Interdependence among the phases of the production cycle will keep it a profitable business.

Unique Characteristics of Texas Longhorns:

Longhorn Females: Longhorn cows are good mothers, they are productive and protective. They milk well, raise a calf efficiently and breed back quickly. In recent years, Texas Longhorn Breeders have sought to enhance the reach of female lines through the process of embryo transfer. Many elite females have responded well to the technique and are helping to strengthen the breed's base of maternal genetics.

Hardy and Self Sufficient: Texas Longhorns will graze on most any ground cover. They are resourceful and make the most of even sparse surroundings to maintain their nutritional requirements and gain muscle. From hot, dry West Texas to the thick humidity of the Gulf Coast and up the cold, wintery trail into Montana and Canada, Texas Longhorns have adapted, evolved and thrived as a beef breed. Longhorns are genetically resistant to certain diseases and parasites. Their durability and hardiness reduces losses and cuts costs for cattle producers.

Easily Handled: Cattle drive stampedes may have made good movie footage but rarely happen in the reality of Longhorn ranching. These cattle are quite gentle and very easily worked on foot. Young people and novice cattle breeders learn from lessons of livestock handling through patient observation of the animals and by using common sense. Careful attention to each distinct personality and calm, quiet movement of groups usually results in successful maneuvering of Texas Longhorns.

Long and Profitable Life: This historic breed boasts individuals who live long and produce for many years for more profit over a lifetime. Unlike many other breeds, cows are at their prime at ten years and often continue to calve every year into their late teens and early twenties. Even when used heavily over many breeding seasons, Texas Longhorn bulls are dependable as sires into their mid-teen years.

Suitable for Crossbreeding: Natural survival traits were developed by Texas Longhorns over generations of adversity. These are the same economic traits commercial cattle producers seek in order to minimize input and maximize output. Most Longhorn traits have proven to be highly heritable. The strength of the breed's unique traits should make it a strong consideration for crossbreeding in today's commercial beef herds.

Longhorn Bulls: are strong and sturdy. They can cover great distances and are known for aggressiveness and stamina as breeders. In modern times the breed's top genetics have been propagated through distinct sire lines. Many bulls are available for use through artificial insemination, though most breeders are proud to maintain their own herd sires for natural service.

Naturally Lean Beef: A Texas A&M University study showed that steaks from Texas Longhorn cattle had about 30% less muscle fat and 15% less saturated fat than a steak from a traditional British breed. Marbling, quality, grade and flavor were similar. Both purebred and crossbred Longhorns produce beef within the acceptable fat cover range of 1/4 inch or less. So, history does repeat itself. The natural traits of Texas Longhorns once again are meeting the needs of the beef-consuming public which consists of health and value-conscious consumers.

Diversity of Market: No other breed of livestock has such diversity of marketing segments within its own ranks. Each segment brings with it marketing opportunities which can make any breeding operation a dependable, self-supporting and viable business.

Seed Stock: The seedstock market gives serious breeders a reason to keep records and challenge their cattle to perform and progress. Among Longhorn breeders there's a constant trade toward the genetic improvement of purebreds. Breeders also have a ready outlet for their well-bred bulls and females to commercial ranchers. Consumer demand has created awareness that Longhorns can infuse the genetics which naturally produce lean beef.

Recreational: The recreational market provides a steady stream of customers for Longhorn breeders. Team roping, team-penning and cutting are reaching new highs in popularity all over the United States. Texas Longhorn cattle are perfectly suited to these sports due to body size, disposition and, of course, horns. There is also excellent resale value in these animals after their recreational purposes are completed.

Western Nostalgia: The western nostalgia market may be what brings most breeders into the Texas Longhorn business. Many begin by enjoying their livestock as a weekend hobby and soon learn to "talk cows" as impressively as a top-hand. Some collect a certain set of horns, others look for unique hides. Some find the historic Longhorn family lines or even individual bovine personalities the collectible element. Many others are interested in living the life of a bygone era by preserving this living piece of Americana.

Those are a few reasons people choose to start a Longhorn herd. Success in the business of cattle raising, family enjoyment and a lifetime of true friendships are the reasons most people stay with Texas Longhorns.