by Darol Dickinson

Homozygous refers to having identical alleles (al-le-les) for a single trait. An allele represents one particular form of a gene. Alleles can exist in different forms and diploid organisms typically have two alleles for a given trait. When a species is homozygous with any specific trait, every progeny will carry the same unique characteristic. Progeny are genetically committed pre-birth. In Texas Longhorns every homozygous black traces back to the old black WR bull Don Quixote. Although Don Quixote was not homozygous black his down line progeny, when line bred --- some are. The strength of Showman's homozygous black is the fact he traces 77 times to Don Quixote.

One example of the power of homozygous is the Hereford/Angus cross. Hereford are homozygous white faced and Angus are homozygous poled and homozygous black. When the two breeds mate every calf has a white face, is poled and black.

Below are the first calves sired by Showman.

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For the last photo below is Showman's full sister born in 2022.