Should we be concerned about the loin on this calf?

Help Support Steer Planet:

kidsandkows

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 30, 2010
Messages
172
So we raise our own calves to show at county fair. We are trying to pick my daughters show steer for next year.  We like this calf for a lot of reasons but he seems to have a hump in his loin. If it is a structural thing that is going to lead him to walking bad I would rather stay away from it but if it is just an un level top line my daughter could probably show him pretty well so that would not be a problem. What are you all's thoughts?
 

Attachments

  • image.jpg
    image.jpg
    1 MB · Views: 226
  • image.jpg
    image.jpg
    900.4 KB · Views: 287
  • image.jpg
    image.jpg
    846.4 KB · Views: 219

BTDT

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 26, 2013
Messages
443
From my experience, once a calf starts to roach the top line, it seems to get worse rather than better. I personally would watch him develop the next several months, and if he doesn't naturally grow out of it, do not plan on showing him.
Hopefully he is going through an awkward stage, but I am having my doubts.

 

kidsandkows

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 30, 2010
Messages
172
Ok thanks for the input! I think the bull we were using was putting that in some of his calves! We kept a few heifers out of him and one of them started to develop the same deal. We also bought a Vegas x Dr who heifer that is 2 now and had a nice heifer but she kind of has a "roached" loin. From your experience is that something these cows/heifers are going to pass on?
 

Tallcool1

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 21, 2012
Messages
969
Nice looking calf!

Strong top sure beats a weak top for sure.

Does the calf move freely now...seem loose spined?

Has this calf always been like this or did this just show up?

Someone on here is a Certified Animal Chiropractor and always has great input!  That's the guy you need to be asking...in my opinion. If its skeletal or an injury, this guy knows what to do and will tell you what to expect.

Correct me if I'm wrong here, but this is a project that you WILL pick out of the calves you have raised. If you have an opportunity to get professional guidance on dealing with and managing this issue, it could be a great teaching opportunity!

And if it's a lost cause, you'd sure want to know up front.

I will try to find the member for you!
 

kidsandkows

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 30, 2010
Messages
172
Oh and yeah he moves pretty free I would say. And yes this is something that just kind of came up. I would say in the last few weeks to month and the calf is about 6 months old.
 
Top