The disadvantage may be NOT USING one.

In a world where colored Longhorn cattle bring premium dollars, bulls that sport a spectacular coat are naturally attractive to breeders.  Red bull calves are routinely pushed to the steer pen.

That could be a BIG mistake.

Solid red bulls can produce VERY colorful calves.  Before overlooking a bull because he is red, you might want to take a closer look.  It is easy to be seduced by the single trait syndrome.  That is, to say, focusing only on horn or color alone.  A complete Longhorn bull should be judged on his full merit.  Horn and color are important, but so is conformation.

Most importantly, a bull should be judged by what he produces.  One example that comes to mind is Clear Point, from Dickinson Cattle Co.  This  red bull has produced some of the most colorful calves a Longhorn producer could want.

See his progeny HERE

To be fair, Clear Point does have some white and different shades of red, but most people would consider him a red bull.  Those who would dismiss him because he is a “red” bull are missing real opportunity to add amazing horn, color and body frame & conformation to their gene pool.

The Gallery of Horns website features plenty of good looking “Red” bulls with horn over 80″ TTT.  A little research will tell you what kind of color they can produce.  Colorful calves can result from proper mating selections.

I will admit, when I get a red bull calf, I’m not as excited as when I get one that has screaming bold color.  Still, before you sharpen your knife, you might be wise to take a long, hard look.

***Gordon Howie is an author and CEO of Life and Liberty Media***

“It’s not about right or left, it’s about Right or Wrong.”

Follow me on Twitter @GordonHowieSD

“friend” me on facebook for daily updates

See more about Texas Longhorn Cattle, Real Estate, Music and Politics at www.ghowie.com

Our mission is to promote Conservative Christian principles, help the hurting and provide truth and information to a lost and dying world