AOB Class

[kobo_ranch]

When and why do you specify the AOB class?  And can you specify that from the get go?  Can anything fall under that?  Or can you be "classed out" of the AOB? 

 

[DLD]

I think that pretty much depends on the show or sanctioning organization.  Generally it's for animals that meet the requirements of a breed that the show doesn't recognize individually or didn't have enough entries to meet their requirement to show as their own breed.  Some shows include commercial and/or crossbreds in the AOB division, some show them seperately.  I guess you could get classed out at some shows, depending on their particular definition.

 

[kobo_ranch]

I just wasn't sure... most shows we've been to the AOB is the last class, however in Houston next week its not.  We have a Maine/Angus/Chi Cross steer, and thinking we might want to put him in the AOB?  Do you think that would be a problem?  AOB is on Wednesday... Maine and Chi are last classes on Friday. 

 

[DLD]

Hmm... I wouldn't think it would be a problem from what I know about it, but then again I'm an Okie.  Maybe one of the other Texans that knows for sure will chime in.  I'll see if I can find out more about it, though.

 

[bjam4]

u declare breed and classify on tuesday if your running aob there shouldnt be a problem

 

[aggiegal]

You can run him AOB from the get go if you like.  Anything exotic or british that classes out, will also run AOB.  In Houston they classify on Tuesday, before the actual show starts. It isn't like San Antonio where they classify as you go in the ring to show.  We've run AOB before without trying to go any other breed.  The classes are tough and very big.  Usually (in the past) the top 10 in each class sell.  There will be 75-85 in your class.  If you have a good one it isn't bad to run them aob, but don't expect it to be easy.

 

[kobo_ranch]

How many do you think would be in the Maine and Chi heavy classes?  (in Houston)

 

[kobo_ranch]

Ok... another question... when you weigh at Houston do YOU weigh like Ft Worth & SA or are there weigh guys there that run em thru?  Haven't shown in years in Houston!  Can you tell!!  (clapping)

 

[aggiegal]

You might go to the following link and download the exhibitor handbook.  In the Junior Market Steer section there is a breakdown of the number of calves shown by breed, number of classes per breed, and number that sold in each breed for last year.  This would be a good starting point for determining how you want to run him.  http://www.rodeohouston.com/access/livestock/handbook.aspx
You turn in a weight card just like San Antonio, they do not weigh you unless you place.  Then you will have to weigh.

 

[kobo_ranch]

THANKS!!  ALL especially aggiegal...finally figured out which link to hit!  Very helpful.  Thanks again!!! (thumbsup)

 

[chambero]

Houston determines no of sale places based on class size, so there is no inherent advantage in trying to get into smaller classes.  In my opinion, I would avoid putting a black calf in the AOBs intentionally.  You might be ok with a real heavy one, but some of the very best colored calves get run aOB.  A lot of heavy black calves start breaking down by now.  If your calf can still move ok, you might have a better chance in the Maines or Chis, but it's really a tossup. None of them or easy.  If you want to get done and go home earlier give AOBs a try. 

 

[kobo_ranch]

Houston determines no of sale places based on class size, so there is no inherent advantage in trying to get into smaller classes.  In my opinion, I would avoid putting a black calf in the AOBs intentionally.  You might be ok with a real heavy one, but some of the very best colored calves get run aOB.  A lot of heavy black calves start breaking down by now.  If your calf can still move ok, you might have a better chance in the Maines or Chis, but it's really a tossup. None of them or easy.  If you want to get done and go home earlier give AOBs a try. 

Chambero... what do you consider real heavy?  He walks really good still... but time is the problem, our dorpers are lambing right now and the buzzards and hawks have to be watched daily.
Not to mention the sneaky fox.  Each lamb is $75-100+ lost.  But back to the steer best to fall as low as possible in that heavy class right?

 

[Bradenh]

Aob is tough !!!!!! Alot of ur cream and mixed colord steers are in there .... And judges are going away from blaks so u should probly stay in a  black breed ..... If ur steer is good enough to sell u should stay black.... And he will pay for a few more sheep

 

[Bulldaddy]

Aob is tough !!!!!! Alot of ur cream and mixed colord steers are in there .... And judges are going away from blaks so u should probly stay in a  black breed ..... If ur steer is good enough to sell u should stay black.... And he will pay for a few more sheep

Would you say that this is just at Houston or other major shows.  Would a qualified, knowledgeable judge who was trying to do an impartial job really pick an inferior cream or yellow colored steer over a superior black steer?  If so, is it because the cattle are slick, the judges sight impaired or what?

 

[Bradenh]

I don't know why .... But at the majors they have really started going  away from black steers for paints or creams or smokes ...... I guess it's starting to become a new trend at the slick shows ..... From seeing past results it's just harder for a black steer to compete with a smoke or cream and u have a much better chance of selling if your going against other black steers

 

[BIGTEX]

Look at www.cattle.com and Jeff has stats on colored vs. black calves at San Antonio and Houston. It's amazing!

 

[chambero]

About half of the calves in any class in any breed in any Texas major are pretty nice calves.  It's not an intentional prejudice against black calves, it's just that colored calves tend to look better slick.

 

[Bradenh]

Yea it's it's not anythang against the black calves it's just much harder to compete with a eye- catching colored up calf because alot of black calves just don't cut it when theyrt slick

 

[Bulldaddy]

About half of the calves in any class in any breed in any Texas major are pretty nice calves.  It's not an intentional prejudice against black calves, it's just that colored calves tend to look better slick.

Thanks for the insight. This sounds fair and  makes sense.  I guess if you are breeding for slick shows you should try for colored calves or black calves that would qualify for breeds that are black.