Rat tail steer---would you buy one??

We looked at steers yesterday.  Saw a really nice Troubador, but he has a rat tail.  Our show is slick so the hair is not an issue.  Wondering if a judge would discount him for having a rat tail? He is a very deep, thick made calf.  What are your thoughs on this??

do you mean a completely bald tail or just little or no switch?  If it's just switch I wouldn't worry about it but a bald tail might be a deal breaker for me

He's got a little switch, maybe 2" or so. 

I wouldn't worry about it if he is a good calf otherwise.  I took a heifer to Jr. Nationals who won her class and had almost no switch, most people don't notice and if the judge does tell him it caught on something and pulled off (which happens more than you would think)

It's not ideal, but not that big of a deal either.

I specifically saw several rat-tailed Charolais steers make the sale at Houston this year if that helps.

I'd be more concerned about it if you wanted to show one at a terminal hair show (i.e. FW), but even then it wouldn't be a deal killer.

I just sold a rat-tailed Troubador steer last week to the Laredo area.  If I hadn't sold him, I'd have fed him for my boys.

Have seen Power Plus throw some rat tails in the past...I have never been worried about it and have fed some rat tailed calves before...breed & reserve breed champions...if all that worries you is the tail and the calf is complete everywhere else...feed him is my advice. Good Luck!!

When Carnac calves are born, they hardly have a switch ,just enough hair to cover the tail, but as they get older they develop a small  switch...This is using Char cows not sure about like angus if it is as bad ...    Main thing with those steers a true rattail won't grow or finish very good...

This steer is a smoky light grey color, his hair is a little "rough", but again he will be shown slick.  I'll try to get some pics. 

I've seen false switches or switches made from twine used on mature bulls that have lost theirs, could this be done or would that be breaking some rule?

Or would it just look ridiculous on a slicked steer?

Just currious.

Someone have a picture of an example. What exactly does one look like. I see lots of calves with tight hair and little to no switch.... ???

Shady Lane said:

I've seen false switches or switches made from twine used on mature bulls that have lost theirs, could this be done or would that be breaking some rule?

Or would it just look ridiculous on a slicked steer?

Just currious.

Click to expand...

I thought about this.  People twine legs.....was wonering if hair could be added.....maybe one of those fake hair peices women wear ;D