Opinions Requested

[Rustynail]

Here are a few calves we are looking at for my son to show next year.  They are all purbred angus , but next spring we will have some clubier bred calves.  I would like to know where you think these calves are strong ( if anywhere), and where they are lacking.  Not thinned skinned so be honest.

This is a febuary 10 calf.

This is an April 9 calf for a later show.

This is a March calf.  I am concerned about his front legs.  When he was born he walked on his ankles for a couple of weeks.

We will only be showing 2 so all of our picks may change by fall.  Also, all of you that take good pics of your calves, you rock.  My calves either want to eat or run away so I did the best I could.

 

[shortyjock89]

I think that the first calf is your best bet.  He looks to be the best structured by far, and is also the smoothest made. He also has the strongest top out of the calves, and this is what probably brings it all together for me.  I think that if he were a little stouter boned and had more rear quarter, he would be hard to beat as an Angus (around here anyhow). 

The next calf would look a lot better with some time at the feed bunk, but I don't think he's ever going to compete with the first one.

The last calf worries me because of his front legs. I don't know that he'll be able to make it to market weight without falling apart completely.

 

[Ruchian]

I agree with Olson Family Shorthorns.  The first one us the best one of the three.  I think that the second one will get better as he gets older but I don't think he will be as good as the first.  The front legs on the third one bother me.  Right now I wouldn't even consider showing that one.

 

[Rustynail]

Here is a few more calves I would like some input on.  We'll call them 4,5 and 6 so I don't get confused.

4 is a March calf.

5 is a late March calf.

And 6 is also a March calf.

 

[itk]

For straight angus calves I think they look pretty good. I'm not going to make a recommendation of which on I think is best off a computer pic but I would guess any off the top end would be able to hunt in the angus deal.

 

[Rustynail]

Thanks for the posts.  I'm not wanting a decision made, just looking for places where I need to work on.  Next year I'll be having some calves out of some club type bull which will help toplines and a few things.  Also hopefully next year weather won't take the ears off 15 of my 20 oldest calves.  That's why only one  feb, calf is pictured..

 

[stumpy]

Rustynail,
I like the April 9 calf. He looks very complete and probably has the most bone. If I were to guess I would say he will be the nicest balanced calf for a fat steer. Right now he doesn't appear to be the thickest, but his kind and completness makes me think he will be thick enough. Good luck!

 

[Rustynail]

That calf and the first calf are 3/4 brothers and dispite my crappy picture taking are alot similar.  The younger calf does have more bone than the older one and I think he will be thicker.  I need to take more time when taking pictures.  It is hard to get them to stand like I want.