Chi Heifer- Opinions?

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mchalmar

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Mar 23, 2013
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I'm new to the show circuit and I picked out this heifer, my concern is her depth of body. Is the depth of body something I can change, or something that will come with age? She's only 5 months old right now, so I don't want to rush anything, just hoping for some thoughts/opinions. She's an Eye Candy X Chimaine/Char. Thanks for your help. :)
 

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shortyjock89

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The Good News- She looks to be a sound creature with nice set to her legs on both ends. She has a feminine look about her head and neck without getting too "ropey". If she were any thinner in her neck, I would be more concerned about her depth.  She has an easy doing look about her 1/3, so if she's gonna get deep enough, she'll do it on her own without any really special feed or techniques.

The Not-so-Good News - If She's not going to get deep enough, it really probably won't matter what you do...she's just not going to get there. With enough fat and enough "hydration assistance" you can get pretty much any calf to appear deep enough, but that's not the way you want to go. For real. 

My verdict- With her pedigree and look, I think she'll be satisfactory in the depth department.  Try not to stress about it, she seems to have a lot of other good things about her. Big bellies aren't the be all-end all of a good one. Nice first show calf!
 

Tallcool1

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Jun 21, 2012
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mchalmar said:
I'm new to the show circuit and I picked out this heifer, my concern is her depth of body. Is the depth of body something I can change, or something that will come with age? She's only 5 months old right now, so I don't want to rush anything, just hoping for some thoughts/opinions. She's an Eye Candy X Chimaine. Thanks for your help. :)

First of all, I like her.  She is sound and has some bone, and some extension to her neck without being freak fronted.

Depth is not that big of a deal to me, depending on what you are wanting to do with her.  Is she a commercial breeding heifer or a market heifer?

The thing that I see when I look at her picture is that she is  really "green"!  She is only 150 days old, and doesn't have any cover.  She is going to get some middle.  She is an Eye Candy, so she will have enough belly hair to make up for what she might lack.

I think she could make a really nice cow for you if that is what you want to do!
 

mchalmar

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Mar 23, 2013
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Just to give an update, this heifer is turning out to be AWESOME. She's a bit over 10 months now and I have to say I'm really excited to see her when she's fully mature. She has deepened in her fore rib as well as her flank (no more "v" belly), and is super feminine. She is stout, although she lacks power (from what the judges say), but IMO she's going to make an incredible *cow.*  And that's the ultimate goal, right? Thank y'all so much for the early encouragement. <rock> She is my 2ND show heifer, but the first heifer that the decision/selection process was all mine. Can you tell I'm proud?  8)
 

mchalmar

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Mar 23, 2013
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Larissa said:
Congratulations, that's awesome news! How about an updated picture of your pretty lady?
This was taken late July/early August. Any thoughts?
 

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simba

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mchalmar said:
Larissa said:
Congratulations, that's awesome news! How about an updated picture of your pretty lady?
This was taken late July/early August. Any thoughts?

I think she looks great! Really bellied down. She appears to have enough power, not the most powerful, but I definitely wouldn't say she lacks it. She's got a really nice front end, not freak fronted like a lot of the clubbies out there, which I think is a good thing. Her back non-showside leg looks a little funny to me, but I think it's just the way she's standing. Looks like you know what you're doing, good luck with her!
 

OH Breeder

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Feb 14, 2007
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Ada, Ohio
mchalmar said:
Larissa said:
Congratulations, that's awesome news! How about an updated picture of your pretty lady?
This was taken late July/early August. Any thoughts?

For a first timer you should be proud how you have taken care of this heifer. She looks how she should. Not too fat has some condition and has some hair. Your hard work looks like it is paying off. She is a nice female. Continue doing whatever your doing.  (thumbsup)
 
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