How can you tell when a calf is too straight on his front end?

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STEER_1981

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 1, 2010
Messages
68
How exactly can you tell when a calf is too straight on his front end?  I want to be knowledgeable enough to avoid the risk of purchasing a steer that buckles at 1000 pounds.  Thanks. 
 

Dale

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 13, 2007
Messages
450
Google "angle of shoulder livestock evaluation cattle"  Iowa State's PowerPoint has an excellent picture (16) of a black steer and the correct 45 degree angle, in green, of the shoulder.  Also South Dakota State has some comments about the problems of steep shoulders.  Straight shoulder goes along with being low-headed.  Straight on one end often means straight on the other end.  Select a calf that walks with its head up and tracks (long stride), and usually the shoulder will be acceptable.
 

farmin female

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 10, 2009
Messages
205
You can also go on purina's "honor show chow" website and see a short video on this subject.  Dave Guyer gives an example with a calf that is very simple and straightforward.  Looked at it myself just the other day!
 
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