Van Zandt County Justice of the Peace Ronnie Daniell says the animals were "unreasonably deprived of food."
The longhorns were seized Friday by deputies who found dozens of dead animals on the property about 60 miles east of Dallas.
Sheriff Pat Burnett Jr. says the investigation continues.
The judge ordered owner Jim Claire to pay court costs, including boarding the animals.
Claire attorney says Prater Monning says the owner had entrusted care of the cattle to another man, believing the livestock were being properly fed. Cody Carter said he had been feeding the cattle at his own expense and that it had been a rough winter.
