Live Animal Beef Cattle Selection
This is a registered British White heifer but regardless of the breed or color this is what I think we should consider as ideal in beef cattle. See a picture of this cow with her first calf when he was seven months old, Click Here.
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This illustration names or describes the various parts of a beef animal. You should learn the terminology and learn to visually point out to yourself or others where each part is located on the animal. It will help you make an informed beef cattle selection decision.
When making a beef cattle selection of purebred breeding cattle, pedigrees
should be considered because they will assist you in detecting genetic defects, identifying outstanding bloodlines and be of assistance in planning the mating and breeding programs.
Selection for the correct Breeding Beef Cattle can get complex because to be
profitable they need to reproduce regularly over a long period of time, have enough vitality to maintain themselves in thrifty condition mainly on forages and produce calves and/or yearlings that have enough weight and quality to
be profitable when sold.
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Study this illustration to learn the basic areas to look for adequate muscling.
Beef Cattle Bulls
Long thick muscling is desired. It is indicated by the length and size (thickness, circumference) of the major muscles in the forearm, fullness and bulge of muscle in the stifle area above the rear flank, and the length, thickness and bulge of muscle in the round and down the top. Very thick, short, rounded extreme muscling in the shoulder and round, which hinders locomotion, gives
“double muscled” appearance, and is usually not desired.
Beef Cattle Females
Long, smooth, moderate thickness of muscling is desired. Short, thick, bunchy
muscling is usually a disadvantage, as it may be related to light milk production and reproductive inefficiencies.
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This shows the areas to look for fat conditioning.
The degree of finish or fat condition may vary depending on nutrient levels,
parasites, season of year, and genotype and sex of the animal. Bulls should be trim with a thin even distribution of fat and not show excessive wasty deposits of fat, even when on high nutritive levels, or during the non breeding seasons.
It may be detrimental to excessively fatten heifers or cows as they deposit excessive fatty tissue in their udder and around their reproductive organs, which may result in decreased milk production and inefficient reproductive rates.
Females will normally deposit more fat in the brisket, along the underline
and over the ribs and back, than bulls. Cows and bulls in good flesh will winter cheaper and more efficiently than those who are poor doers and have little fleshing ability.
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Study this image to learn where to look to determine Capacity and Volume.
Adequate depth and width of body is essential for efficient rapid growth
and easy keeping ability. You will want to look for cows and heifers that look feminine with refined heads, long, narrow, clean necks; angular body shape with smooth shoulders and adequate body capacity.
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Study this illustration for the proper structure of a beef animal.
Below is a short list of some of the things you should look for to confirm Structural Soundness:
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Correct set of feet and legs is necessary for cattle to travel and remain sound during a long productive life
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Uneven, small, curled or twisted toes, and crooked feet usually result in lameness and should be discriminated against
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Postlegged, extreme knock-kneed, splayfooted, sickle hocked and long-weak pasterns are all conditions which may result in unsoundness and should be considered faults
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Straight shoulders and short straight pasterns are not desired
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Free, easy, sound movement is desired as compared to that which is short, stiff and uncoordinated.
Regardless of your original thoughts as to breed preference it is wise to first research the breeds that do well in the area where you plan to breed and raise them and then select your favorite from withing that group. There are many good breeds of beef cattle available and you should have no trouble picking one that you like and expect it to do well in your area.
Good luck in your selection of the right breed and kind of beef cattle for your farm or ranch.