Cattle exhibit diverse physical characteristics, including the presence or absence of horns. Understanding proper terminology helps clarify common misconceptions about cattle classifications and how traits like horns are determined.
Defining a Steer
A steer is a male bovine that has been castrated. This procedure is typically performed when the animal is young. By definition, a steer cannot be female.
This distinguishes steers from other cattle classifications. A bull is an intact, mature male bovine used for breeding, typically more muscular and aggressive due to hormones. A cow is an adult female bovine that has given birth to at least one calf. Young female cattle that have not yet calved are known as heifers. Steers are primarily raised for beef production, often becoming larger than cows and developing a less aggressive temperament compared to bulls.
Horns in Cattle: Genetics and Presence
The presence of horns in cattle is determined by their genetics. Animals can be either “horned,” meaning they naturally grow horns, or “polled,” meaning they are naturally hornless. This trait is inherited, with the polled gene generally being dominant over the horned gene. This means an animal only needs one copy of the polled gene to be hornless.
Both male and female cattle can be born with or without horns depending on their breed and genetic makeup. Angus cattle are typically polled. In contrast, breeds like Texas Longhorns are known for their prominent horns, which can grow to impressive lengths, even in females. Hereford cattle can be either horned or polled, depending on the specific genetic line.
Managing Horns in Cattle
Despite natural genetic variations, many cattle may not have horns due to human management practices. Horn removal is a common procedure in livestock farming, primarily for safety and practical considerations. Horns can pose risks to handlers and other animals, potentially causing injuries or bruising, especially during transportation or in crowded feedlots.
There are two main methods for managing horns: disbudding and dehorning. Disbudding involves destroying the horn-producing cells in very young calves, typically before the horn buds attach to the skull. This procedure is considered less invasive than dehorning. Dehorning is the removal of fully developed horns from older animals, a more invasive process that may involve cutting the horn and associated tissue. These practices are distinct from naturally polled cattle and promote the welfare of animals and handlers within agricultural settings.