Evaluating Beef Cattle Characteristics

Miss Kegley introduces livestock judging, focusing on beef cattle traits for market and breeding purposes. The video covers the evaluation process, including muscling, finish, growth capacity, soundness, balance, and frame size. Practical examples illustrate how to place market steers based on these traits.

What is the primary purpose of beef cattle?

• To produce milk

• To provide wool

• To be used as pets

• To produce meat

What is the first step in evaluating beef cattle?

• Checking their color

• Evaluating from the ground up

• Measuring their height

• Listening to their sounds

Why is muscling important in beef cattle?

• It increases the animal's value

• It affects the animal's color

• It determines the animal's speed

• It helps the animal produce more milk

What does a lower yield grade indicate?

• More fat content

• More muscle and less fat

• Better color

• Higher price

What is marbling in the context of beef cattle?

• The color of the animal's coat

• Intermuscular fat within the meat

• The shape of the animal's horns

• The pattern of spots on the animal

Which area is NOT considered when evaluating fat cover?

• Ears

• Top-line

• Underline

• Tail

What characteristic is important for high growth capacity in market steers?

• Curved horns

• Narrow chest

• Short body

• Wide stance

What is a sign of good soundness in cattle?

• Short legs

• Long, powerful stride

• Curved back

• Small hooves

What does balance in market steers refer to?

• The animal's ability to jump

• The color distribution on the animal

• The animal's ability to stand on one leg

• Equal proportions of width, depth, and length

What is the ideal frame size for a steer in today's market?

• Large frame

• Extra-large frame

• Medium frame

• Small frame