Livestock Management RANCHING
Cattle
Operating Systems:
The Skeleton By Robert Fears Figure 1 — Look at the front
I
N THE NOVEMBER ISSUE OF THE CATTLEMAN magazine, we explained how the cow’s digestive system works. In this article
we continue our discussions of the cow’s anatomy by addressing the skeleton and its effects on animal performance. The skeleton is the framework on which a
Figure 2 — Look at the rear
cow is structured. It is what holds up the cow or bull and allows it to walk, breed and produce a calf. It’s important to understand skeleton parts and how
they should fi t together so we can evaluate an animal’s structure. Correct angles and relationships among bones are necessary for the animal to function effectively. In the recent Bull Selection for Commercial and
Seedstock Beef Producers seminar, conducted by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service at College Station, Dr Jason Cleere used a heifer to demonstrate good bull structure. Likewise the words, “bull” and “cow” will be used interchangeably in this article since we essentially look for the same structural qualities in both sexes, particularly when we refer to the skeleton.
Look at the front “Start at the feet when choosing an animal,” Cleere recommended. “Look at the size of the feet in relation
48 The Cattleman April 2013
to size of the bull. A bull with large feet has more area on which to distribute his weight. Bulls with small feet may become lame as they grow older. “It is important to look at the amount of heel on a
bull’s foot. If there is a small amount of heel, the ani- mal will stand on the back of its feet, which can cause lameness. Irregularities in the hoof wall or curled toes signal the possibility of previous foundering which results in reduced performance.” “After examining the feet, move to the front legs,”
Cleere said. “The angles at which the bones come to- gether are extremely important. We locate the shoulder point and then the elbow. An imaginary line is drawn between the 2 points and a second line is drawn from the shoulder point to the top of the scapula. The 2 lines should connect at a near 90-degree angle (Figure 1). “If the angle is greater than 90 degrees, the shoul-
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