Texas FFA Livestock Judging PracticeTest

What is the term for beef cattle or sheep that are born without horns?

1. Dehorned

2. Polled

3. Hornless

4. Scurs

The correct answer is: Polled

The correct term for beef cattle or sheep that are born without horns is "polled." This term is used specifically to describe animals that naturally lack horns due to genetic traits. It is an important distinction in livestock breeding, as polled animals may have desirable traits that are preferred by breeders and farmers, making them easier to manage and less prone to injury. The other terms have specific meanings that differentiate them from polled. For example, "dehorned" refers to animals that have had their horns removed after birth, while "hornless" is a general descriptive term that does not specifically pertain to the genetic condition of being born without horns. "Scurs" refers to small, horn-like structures that can develop in animals that are genetically polled but may still have remnants or undeveloped horns. Understanding these terms helps in livestock evaluation and breeding practices.