Lowline cattle are a select strain of Abredeen Angus cattle bred for many generations for smaller stature, roughage conversion, and efficiendy 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 to 48 inches measured at the shoulder and weigh from 900 to 1500 pounds. Mature cows should measure from 38 to 46 inches and weigh from 700 to 1100 pounds. Certain individuals will fall outside of these parameters. Judgement 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 lenght 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 lenght 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 lenght 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 lenght. 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 lenght of toes. Knees and hocks should be smooth and clean with feet pointing forward. Lowlines should have freedom of movement and lenght 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 aretracted 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.

Reprinted from the ALR web site.