By: Brittany Eagleburger
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Table of Contents
Introduction ………………………………………………………….…………………… page 3 Overview ……………………………....………………………………………..………… page 4 Bulls …………………………………………….…………....……………………………. page 12 Heifers ………………………………………………....…………….…………………… page 14 Steers …………………………………………..……………………..…………………… page 15 Work Cited …………………………………………………………………………….… page 17
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Introduction Evaluating beef cattle can be an important aspect in the farming industry or in livestock judging. Having the ability to compare and contrast cattle accurately can help to ensure that cattle in your herd are high quality and productive or that 50/50 score every livestock judger hopes for. The information in this manual is meant to inform beef cattle evaluators with the basics to begin cattle judging but is not all that there is to know about judging. Because many outside factors can influence the choice that one may make, cattle evaluation is opinion based. The cattle desired continue to change and crucial to remember that there is always more to learn. It is important to know several factors before judging beef cattle. Every operation has its own goals and management practices. Understanding these will help to better evaluate cattle in a way that reaches the operation’s objectives. The location and climate are also important aspects that impact the type of cattle that are desired. A cow that is not easy to but weight on with little grain wouldn’t do well in mountains in the northern states. Therefore when judging cattle a person might prefer cattle that can put weight on easily. All breeds are different and may be judged in certain areas more. Such as a Simmental will naturally have more excess skin on their throat and neck compared to an Angus. Because of this the Simmental is not mentally deducted as much for being “throaty” (extra neck skin) as an Angus would be if he/she was throaty. Many factors go into judging cattle and it takes practice. Evaluating cattle successfully can help to increase production of your operation and the entire cattle industry.
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Overview An initial step in judging beef cattle is becoming familiar with major body parts (Figure 1). These parts and points on the body will be referred to throughout the manual and will be important to have an understanding of. Figure 1: Beef Cattle Body Parts
Structural Soundness Cattle evaluation is determined by a handful of traits that are broken down into complex characteristics. Structural soundness is the most important of the traits. This refers to the way the animal walks, the strength in their structure and their endurance. When judging breeding cattle a person has to remember that these cattle have to travel large amounts of ground and go through reproduction while staying sound. Sound cattle have better longevity (existence of service), which is desired so the animal can be kept in the herd longer while being productive. There are several ways of determining if an animal is structurally sound.
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The simplest way to evaluate structural soundness is to simply what the animal walk. An “ideal” animal will have a long stride that looks natural. The back foot will land where the front foot in front of it had just lifted from and the spine will stay fairly flat, moving fluently. As each leg moves forward, it should move in plane parallel to the mid-line of the body without leaving the plane. The hip will not drop drastically, as if the back feet are reaching to far forward and the front legs smooth strides that do not look short and choppy. All of these characteristics could also be determined before the animal every moves by simply looking at the skeletal structure. The animal should be almost level from its hooks to pins. This will ensure that the animal will not be “reaching under” or striding too far on its back legs. There should also be a 45° angle from the point of should to the top of the shoulder. Having too steep of an angle will cause the animal to take short, choppy steps. A good depth of heart girth in cattle is a sign of good forage convertibility and good feet and leg conformation. The larger the heart girth circumference, the more vigorous and efficient the animal will be. Having a wide topline (back) shows that it is strong and when standing still the topline should look like your hand when you hold it naturally flat. It will have a slight upside down “U” shape from the tail head to the top of the shoulder but is considered to be “smooth topped” as shown in Figure 2. Having a strong topline is required when a cow or heifer gets to the later months of pregnancy. Figure 2: Heifer Displaying an “Ideal” Topline
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The skeletal structure can be judged on the leg positions (Figure 3). When a leg as the wrong angle or set to it, the animal usually is unable to have a long fluent stride such as an animal that is sickle-hocked typically also has too steep of an angle from their hooks to pins. Again this causes the back legs to reach too far. While the opposite, post-legged causes the animal to be short strided. Incorrect set to the leg can also cause the leg to leave the plane parallel to the mid-line of the body.
Figure 3: Leg Positions
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The hooves have to be able to bare the weight of the animal putting a lot of pressure on the claws on the hooves. The claws should be fairly symmetrical in shape and size. Shown below in Figure 4 is the results of an incorrect angle to the pasture causing insufficient wearing on the hoof claws.
Figure 4: Pasture Angle and Hoof Claw Wear
Muscle In this time of large production and inovation cattle producers are looking for cattle that can have calves that grow fast and big. When looking at an animal with adequate muscling, the rump and shoulders will show the muscle the most prominatly as shown in Figure 5. Figure 5: Muscle Score
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Body Condition The fat or body condition on an animal is an important factor. A cow too fat or too skinny can be hard to breed as well as a bull that is not properly conditioned may not breed the cattle efficiently. The body condition can be scored on a scale of 1 to 5 (Figure 6). A body condition score of 3.5 – 4 is typically ideal. Figure 6: Body Condition Score A body condition score 1 is described as emaciated. The ribs, backbone, pelvic bones, shoulders, tail head and all body prominences are seen from a distance and there is no muscle mass. The body outline is simply the skeletal outline. Condition score 2 is thin and the backbone, pelvic bones, and shoulders are still seen. The ribs are faintly visible and the tail head is slightly recessed.
Condition score 3 is moderate. There is no excess fat, hip bones are slightly visible, ribs are covered, and the tail head area is not recessed. This leaves the body outline almost smooth. Condition score 4 is stout, hip bones are not seen, ribs are well covered and the tail head area is slightly lumpy causing the body outline to be round. Condition score 5 is obese and there are large fat deposits over chest, spine, hip bones and tail head. The ribs are very well covered and the body outline appears lumpy from the fat.
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Frame Size Frame size refers to the size of the animal at the moment of judging but is typically considered when looking to the future and the frame size at maturity. Determing future growth can be estimated by looking at the length of the face, cananon bone, and tail. This is difficult to determine at first but through practice and comparing animals to each other using this method of estimating future growth can be effective. The Frame size is important to be considered when taking the environment into consideration. If feed resources are limited then smaller framed cattle may be prefered that require less supplemtation. While if feed resources are plentiful then larger framed cattle that can hold more weight would have the advantage over small framed cattle. Frame size goes from 1 to 7 with 1 being the shorter, more moderate body style and 7 having the taller, longer body style. Below are some frame scores to use as examples to judge by but are not necessarily the perfect average for each frame size (Table 1 and 2). In these tables the measurements are measured in inches from the top of the tail head to the bottom of the back hoof on the same side as shown in figure 7). Table 1: Bulls Frame Score Age in
Frame Score
Months
(inches measured from tail head to the bottom of the back hoof) 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
5
33.5
35.5
37.5
39.5
41.6
43.6
45.6
47.7
49.7
10
39.2
41.2
43.3
45.3
47.3
49.3
51.3
53.3
55.3
15
43.1
45.1
47.1
49.1
51.1
53.0
55.0
57.0
59.0
20
45.1
47.1
49.1
51.0
53.0
55.0
56.9
58.9
60.9
25
46.4
48.3
50.3
52.3
53.9
56.0
58.0
60.0
62.0
30
47.3
49.3
51.3
53.2
54.9
57.0
59.0
61.0
63.0
35
48.0
50.0
51.9
53.8
55.5
57.5
59.5
61.5
63.5
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Table 2: Heifer/Cow Frame Score Age in
Frame Score
Months
(inches measured from tail head to the bottom of the back hoof) 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
5
33.1
35.1
37.2
39.3
41.3
43.4
45.5
47.5
49.6
10
37.6
39.6
41.6
43.7
45.7
47.7
49.7
51.7
53.8
15
40.6
42.6
44.5
46.5
48.5
50.5
52.4
54.4
56.4
20
42.1
44.1
46.0
47.9
49.8
51.8
53.7
55.6
57.6
25
43.1
45.0
46.9
48.8
50.7
52.5
54.5
56.5
58.2
30
43.8
45.8
47.5
49.4
51.3
53.1
55.1
57.0
58.9
35
44.2
46.1
48.0
49.8
51.8
53.6
55.5
57.2
59.2
Figure 7: Measuring Height for Frame Score
Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) The value of the EPD being good or bad depends on the breed. Most breed websites will have their average EPDs to judge from. Listed are the basic and most common EPDs are described in simple terms but for more complex information look to the breed associations (Table 3).
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Table 3: Common EPDs and Descriptions EPD Birth Weight Weaning Weight Yearling Weight Maternal Milk
Mature Daughter Height Mature Daughter Weight Scrotal Circumference Calving Ease Direct Calving Ease Maternal Yearling Height Carcass Weight Marbling Ribeye Area Fat Thickness Docility
Abbreviation Purpose BW Expressed in pounds, this is the expected birth weight of calves from the individual. WW Expressed in pounds, this is the weight at 205 days of age of calves from this individual. YW Expressed in pounds, this is the weight at 365 days of age of the calves from this individual. Milk This is the portion of daughter progeny weaning weight that can be attributed to nutrition or milk. MH The differences in the transmitting ability for mature daughter size in inches. MW The differences in the transmitting ability for mature daughter size in pounds. SC Expressed in centimeters, this is the transmitting ability for scrotal size. CED An estimate of calving ease of calves out of the animal represented. CEM The relative ease of calving experienced by daughters of this individual. YH Recorded in inches, this is another estimate of genetic size and weight traits. CW Measured in pounds, this is a measurement of basic growth and body size. Marb Listed in USDA marbling degrees, the primary factor in USDA Quality Grade. RE Measured in inches, estimates the overall amount of muscle. Fat Measured in inches and is the most important factor in USDA yield grade. Doc 1 = Docile; 6 = very aggressive Expresses whether the individual will be docile or restless.
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Bulls Different sexes many have certain traits that are evaluated. Bulls have one main purpose and that is to breed heifers and cows. For this reason, when evaluating a bull aspects that effect his breeding abilites and that displays his masculinity are judged strongly. A bull has the greates impact on the herd and making a decision on a bull is not made lightly.
Head and eyes Many farmers could look at the head and eyes of a bull and be able to tell what the disposition will be like. But, the head shape is also important because it can help judge the calving abilities that he might pass on to his offspring. If he has a large blocky head then it may cause the birth of his offspring to be more difficult. The eyes should be well set into the eye socket and have eyelashes that are parallel to the animals face, not the ground. Good pigmentation in the eye shows that there is no sign of cancer, pink eye, or any other health problems within the eye.
Sheath size and shape The sheath is there to protect the penis, therefore it plays an important role. A tight sheath keeps the inside clean and protected while a loose sheath would allow particles of dust, mud, and other debris to enter.
Scrotal circumference and testicular tone Scrotal circumference is way to measure the daily and total sperm production of a bull. In bulls scrotal circumference should typically measure 32cm at 2 years of age, while bulls in harsh nutritional conditions should measure 28cm at the same age.
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A bull’s scrotal circumference is often one of the first aspects evaluated when a buyer is looking at bulls. Therefore, the scrotal circumference can impact the selling applies of the bull offsprings. Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) The main EPDs that are considered when evaluating a bull are calving ease direct (CED), birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), yearling weight (YW), and Scrotal Circumference (SC). Docility is also becoming an EPD that is looked at more with bulls.
Masculinity Compared to females, bulls should have more muscle mass, power, and width from behind. Bulls will also have a “hump” on their neck that is desirable in male cattle (Figure 8). The size of the hump depends on the breed and producer’s preference. Figure 8: Bull Displaying Hump on His neck
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Heifers and Cows Udder Conformation Udder conformation plays a big role in female breeding beef cattle. Poor udder conformation could cause decrease in milking ability, large teats, sagginess in the udder, and cause the udder to break down early. The teats and quarters (the four sections of the udder) should all be uniform. In beef cattle the udder should stay neatly between the hind legs and not cause any discomfort for the animal when walking.
Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) The main EPDs that are considered when evaluating a heifer/cow are calving ease direct (CED), birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), yearling weight (YW), and maternal milk (Milk).
Femeninity While it is good to have strong, powerful females, they need to also be femenine. When judging females, trim necks that are free of excess fat or skin makes a female look more femenine. Producers look for long necks with refined heads that make the animal look clean and neat. Females also ususually hae shaper angles than bulls as shown in the comparison with the heifer and bull (Figures 9 and 10).
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Figure 9: Heifer with Sharp Angles
Figure 10: Bull with Round Angles
Steers Steers are different from bulls and heifers/cows in several ways because they don’t have to live as long. Therefore, structural soundness isn’t a major concern with steers. When judging steers there is more focus on the muscle and volume. A steer needs to have natural thickness (especially inhind quarters), a strong topline, and a wide base. Most steers are buchered between 1150 to 1300 pounds. Understanding the parts of the carcass (cuts) will help in understanding steers (Figure 11). The main purpose of a steer is to hang a beautiful carcass that will be viewed by USDA personnel and assigned a Yield Grade and Quality Grade (The Judging Connection). Figure 11: Cuts of a Steer
Yield Grade
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The yield grade focuses on the BCTRC (boneless, closely trimmed, retail cuts) from the round, loin, rib, and chuck (The Judging Connection). Yield grade = 2.5 + (Adjusted Fat Thickness x 2.5) + (percent KPH Fat x 0.2) + (Hot Carcass Weight x 0.0038) – (Ribeye Area (sq. in.) x 0.32) The adjusted fat thickness is the external fat depth (inches) between the 12th and 13th ribs. The percent KPH fat is the percentage of kidney, pelvic, and heart fat. This mearument is used to estimate the amount of internal fat. The hot carcass weight is the weight after butching, before the carcass is chilled. Ribeye area (square inches) is the measurement of ribeye surface when the carcass is split bewteen the 12th and 13th ribs (The Judging Connection). Yield grade is judged on a scale from 1 to 5 with 1 having the highest cuttibility (most lean meat) and 5 having the lowest cuttibility. Yield Grade 1 = 52.3% or higher Yield Grade 2 = 50.0 – 52.2% Yield Grade 3 = 47.7 -49.9% Yield Grade 4 = 45.5 – 47.6% Yield Grade 5 = 45.4% or below
Quality Grades Quality grades describes the “eating quality” of the meat from the carcass. The two contibuting factors for quailty grade are maturity and marbling. The quality grades are: prime, choice, select, standard, commercial, utility, and cutter/canner (The Judging Connection). Some breeds are specifically meant for having good quality marbling. These breeds are meant to produce efficient, lean beef. Some of the well know steer breeds include: Maine Anjou, Limousin, and Simmental.
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Work Cited The Judging Connection. Livestock Judging Manual. Figure 2: Leg Positions. Retrieved from http://www.thejudgingconnection.com/pdfs/Livestock_Judging_Manual.pdf Figure 1: Geauga 4-H Extension. Beef Skillathon. Body Parts: Learn the Parts. Retrieved from http://www.geauga4h.org/beef/beef_body.htm Figure 2: David Sinclair. Donors. Retrieved from http://davidsinclair.ws/cows.htm Figure 3: The Judging Connection. Livestock Judging Manual. Figure 2: Leg Positions. Retrieved from http://www.thejudgingconnection.com/pdfs/Livestock_Judging_Manual.pdf Figure 4: Bertram, Johnet et al, Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries. Selecting Bulls for structural AOundness in Beef Cattle. The Beef Site. Retrieved from http://www.thebeefsite.com/articles/719/selecting-bulls-for-structuralsoundness-in-beef-cattle/ Figure 5: Herford Beef Muscle Scores. Atum Red Rag, Issue 117. Retrieved from http://herefords.co.nz/newsletter_april2012.php Figure 6: Body Condition Scoring. Basic Animal Handling. Retrieved from http://basicanimalhandling.com/body-condition-scoring-2/ Figure 7: Frame Scores in Beef Cattle. Retrieved from http://www.jwest.biz/CattleFrameScoreChart.htm
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Figure 8: Doug Satree Angus. Sires. Retrieved from http://www.dougsatreeangus.com/Sires.htm Figure 9 and 10: These photographs were taken by myself. Figure 11: University of Jentucky, College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment. 2009. Retrieved from http://www2.ca.uky.edu/agripedia/agmania/meatid/BEEFCUTS .asp Table 1 and 2: McPeake, Charles. Oklahoma State University. Hip Height and Frame Score Determination. Retrieved from http://pods.dasnr.okstate.edu/docushare/ dsweb/Get/Document-1954/ANSI3271web.pdf Table 3: University of Minnesota extension. Understanding Expected progeny Differences (EPDs) Lesson 3. Retrieved from http://www.extension.umn.edu/ agriculture/beef/components/homestudy/mlesson3.pdf