Cattle breeds: Shorthorn

The shorthorn having evolved from a race of superior short-horned cattle known to have existed in the area north-eastern part of England since the 16th century. The first real development of the Shorthorn breed took place in the valley of the Tees River. Some shorthorns were developed for optimal milk production, and shorthorn types were divided; today there are milking shorthorns and beef shorthorns.

Shorthorn beef has developed an enviable reputation for its unique flavor, tenderness, consistency and overall eating quality.

Shorthorn is characterized by short horns, blocky conformation, and colour. Shorthorns are a distinctive red, white or roan in color, and can be polled or horned. Red cattle may be solid red or have white markings and they can be horned or polled. They are bigger than their dairy counterparts and are grown specifically for their beef.

Solid red Shorthorn are often used to help maintain solid colors in crosses. The whites and roans can be used on black cattle to get both blues and blacks. The importance of the Shorthorn breed in the development of other cattle breeds is enormous and Shorthorn genetics have been used worldwide in the development of over 40 different breeds.
Cattle breeds: Shorthorn