Texas FFA Livestock Judging PracticeTest

Which breed was the first American breed of beef cattle?

1. Jersey

2. Texas Longhorn

3. Simmental

4. Brahman

The correct answer is: Texas Longhorn

The Texas Longhorn is recognized as the first American breed of beef cattle due to its unique development in the early history of the United States. This breed descended from the cattle brought by Spanish explorers in the 16th century and adapted over time to the diverse environments of North America. The Texas Longhorns are known for their distinctive long horns and remarkable hardiness, as they were able to thrive in harsh conditions, which contributed to their significance in American cattle ranching history. This breed's resilience and low maintenance requirements made it an essential part of the early cattle industry in America, which is why it holds the title of the first American breed. In contrast, the Jersey is primarily a dairy breed, Simmental originated from Switzerland and was not developed in the U.S., and the Brahman is a breed that was developed from Zebu cattle and was introduced to the U.S. later, making the Texas Longhorn the correct answer for the first American breed of beef cattle.