Live Animal Evaluation Using Linear Measurement Produced by Laurel Hoffman

Transcription

1 Live Animal Evaluation Using Linear Measurement Produced by Laurel Hoffman

2 Form Follows Function Function Follows Form

3 Structure = Function Improve the Structure Improve the Function

4 Linear Measurement is a tool that enables the livestock producer to identify structural weaknesses and strengths that are genetic and thus inheritable.

5 Premises Wide shoulders with a deep chest is critical for optimum grass utilization. A wide rump is a major indicator for femininity. Wide shoulders and a large crest is the major indicator for masculinity. Correct top line and bottom line with a full loin is necessary for high carcass yield. A fully functioning glandular (endocrine) system is required for optimum reproductive performance, adaptability and disease resistance. The bovine body is to be balanced for true functionality and longevity.

6 Linear Measuring defined It is a method used for selecting bulls & cows that will have: The highest levels of reproduction The ability to efficiently utilize grass (forages) Low maintenance requirements The ability to produce meat that is predictable in q both quantity and quality. (using other visual clues)

7 Linear Measurement - Female 8 Measurements

8 Rump length

9 The 2/3 measurement or Body Length

10 Neck measurement

11 Rump length should be 38-40% of the body length. 18" 46" She has a 39% rump length.

12 Rump Length % Closer to 40% - the higher in reproductive performance (less calving difficulties), the wider the shoulders must be for balance, maximum meat on the rump. There should be no chine bone or tail bone protruding above the flesh on the top line.

13 Rump length % sets the standard for degree of femininity (reproduction performance) and also volume of meat. Hooks and pins should not protrude but have good covering.

14 Top Line & Neck Length % The neck length should be half of the body length or 1/3 of the top line. ( )

15 When the body is too long: Loin looses normal shape Less likely for balance (heart girth won t match top line) Higher maintenance Lower forage efficiency Stress easier Reduced reproduction Later maturing

16 Heart Girth Equal to the Top line. Greater is preferred.

17 Large hearth girth necessary for: Vigor Adaptability Forage efficiency Wide shoulders Meat volume

18 Narrow (pinched) Heart Girth Create glandular dysfunction Susceptible to stress and disease Poor utilization of grass Good heart girth Fragile fragile calves

19 Flank Measurement Larger than the hearth girth.

20 Rump Width Shoulder Width

21 Rump Height A frame score of 4 (48 ) or less is recommended.

22 Rump Width % - compares the rump width to the rump height. (want a ratio of 40% or greater)

23 Adjusted Rump Width Rump should be 2.5" wider than the rump length at 12 months of age.

24 Adjusted Shoulder Width Shoulder width is to equal rump length.

25 Balance is key Linear measuring shows body correlations and where an animal is balanced or not. Balanced animals are: Higher in meat volume (retail product). More efficient in utilizing grass/forages. More resistance to stress lower in maintenance. More feminine and or masculine higher in fertility. More profitable especially if you direct market.

26 Balance: rump height = body length hearth girth top line shoulder width = rump length

27 Healthy Endocrine Gland System Pituitary The Conductor of the Orchestra, affecting all hormonal functions. Thyroid Metabolism, growth, development Pancreas Enzymes for Digestion, insulin Adrenal Energy (steroidal hormones) Thymus part of lymphatic system, production of T cells for immune function. Liver Metabolic processes, filter for blood, micronutrient storage and release (immune response) Gonads Growth & Fertility

28 Hair swirls are an indication of glandular function. Diagram shows location of glands. Adrenal Thymus Pancreas

29 Do you want a good cow? Do you want a cow that you can make progress with?

30 Grass Genetics

31 Linear Measurement - Male 9 Measurements

32 Top Line 3 Measurements

33 True Top Line is 1.5 x body measurement. Example: 48" x 1.5 = 72" True Top Line

34 Heart Girth Equal or Greater than Top Line

35 Body is too long: heart girth cannot match top line, not balanced, irregular shaped loin, loss of red meat.

36 Rump Length is to be 38-40% of the body length.

37 Adjusted Neck Length = Neck length minus ½ body length. Example: 23" - 25" = -2" Adjusted Neck Length

38 Adjusted Shoulder Width is shoulder width minus rump length. Shoulders are to be a minimum 2 wider than rump length. Ruggedness Adaptability Masculinity Early Maturity

39 Rump Width % is the rump width divided by rump height. Goal is a minimum of 44% (46-50% is reaching ideal)

40 Flank Measurement Equal or greater than the top line. Deep flank represents early maturity, wide across the top with thick loin ($).

41 Identifying Masculine Bulls Wide Shoulders Deep Chest Very Pronounced Crest Scrotal Size (correct shape) Coarse Hair (on head, neck & shoulders) Wide Head and Muzzle Clubby Tail All indicators of testosterone production

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43 Scrotal circumference should be 38-40cm at a year of age.

44 Misshaped right testicle Correct Degradation has occurred Correct Misshaped left testicle

45 All are deformed and dysfunctional on some level resulting in compromised sperm production.

46 Example from Linear Measurement Program Cow Master Sheet For assistance call Breed: Angus Date: 11/22/05 Kendall Shrock Rump Length 2/3 Topline Rump Width Shoulder Width Rump Height Tender Factor Ribeye Area ID Girth Flank Topline Marble Clip Id A A A A A A Back Fat

47 Rank ID Cow Sheet For assistance call Bree Angus Date: 11/22/05 Kendall Shrock Girth Flank Rump Length % Rump Width % Adj Shoulder Width ADJ.RW 36-40% 40%+ 2.5" to +2 USDA Quality Grade Neck Length Tender Factor Marble Ribeye Area Back Fat -2.0 to to N/A % 42.0% CHOICE % 40.8% CHOICE A % 41.2% CHOICE A % 42.8% SELECT A % 40.0% PRIME % 41.0% CHOICE % 40.6% CHOICE % 41.5% CHOICE % 42.0% CHOICE A % 38.0% CHOICE % 38.8% CHOICE A % 39.6% CHOICE % 39.6% CHOICE Clip Id Ranking score from 1(lowest) to 5 (highest). 3.5 and above is preferred.

48 Summary

49 GENETIC PROGRESS REQUIRES EARLY MATURING MASCULINE BULLS Will increase Adaptability (resistance to disease and stress) Production (grass utilization) Reproduction (herd fertility) Net Profits (SUSTAINABILITY)

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51 Early Maturity Is Key

52 If you can measure it. You can manage it. Linear Measuring Calipers are available from Gearld Fry

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55 SELECTING FOR GOURMET BEEF Thick, soft, pliable hide Slick, shiny hair coat Streak down back Short, fine cannon bones Clean hocks High butterfat milk as indicated by yellow flakes in ears and end of tail, bald udder.

56 A Mind Is Like A Parachute. It Only Works When It s Open

57 If You Change Nothing. You Stay As You Are.