American Lowline Breed
Standards for Fullblood cattle.
Lowline cattle are a selected strain of Aberdeen Angus
cattle bred for many generations for smaller stature,
roughage conversion, and efficiency of red meat production.
All Fullblood cattle trace directly to the foundation herd
in Australia.
Phenotype:
Mature Lowline bulls will generally
fall into a range of 40-48 inches measured at the shoulder
and weight from 900-1500 pounds. Mature cows should measure
from 38-46 inches and weigh between 700-1100 pounds.
Certain individuals will fall outside of these parameters.
Judgment should be made on quality and confirmation rather
than size.
The most discriminating feature of the
head should be a well-defined prominent poll. The eyes are
large and prominent. Females should show no coarseness
about the head, which should be angular, of moderate length
with a broad forehead. Jaws should be clean and the
throatlatch free of excessive skin. Ears should not droop,
be of medium size and fully haired. Often the face of both
sexes will have a slight dish.
The neck should be smooth, of moderate
length and blend smoothly at the top of the shoulders. The
dewlap should be of modest size with a full brisket in
finished cattle.
The mature bull should possess
masculinity about head and neck without coarseness of
shoulder.
The top line of a Lowline should be
straight and long. The fore rib should be well sprung with
fullness beneath the crops. There should be depth of both
front and rear flank and the barrel should be deep and
uniform from end to end. Width should be carried from front
to rear and the loin should be long and deep with adequate
length from the hooks to the pins. The rump should be well
muscled in the lower round and stifle.
The Lowline should stand squarely on
sound feet and legs of modest length. The rear leg should
have a slight angle at the hock when viewed from the side.
The feet should be relatively round, have an adequate depth
of heel and uniform length of toes. Knees and hocks should
be smooth and clean with feet pointing forward. Lowlines
should have freedom of movement and length of stride.
Lowlines are predominantly black in
color, however, a red gene(e) and a wild allele (E+)
expressing red color have been identified in the breed. Red
cattle are accepted for registration. White markings on the
underline are not uncommon but should be restricted to the
area behind the navel. A white scrotum on bulls is not
desirable.
Bulls should show masculinity, libido
and adequate scrotal development. The sheath should be trim
and free from excess skin showing a retracted prepuce.
Females should be feminine, showing longevity with a
well-balanced level udder and small teat size. Both sexes
should be docile and easy to handle.