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South Dakota State University

Livestock Judging Manual


Designed for
4-H Seniors and Experienced Judges

Second Edition
South Dakota State University
College of Agricultural & Biological Sciences
Department of Animal & Range Sciences
SOUTH DAKOTA LIVESTOCK JUDGING MANUAL

Introduction……..………..……...….……... 2 Oral Reasons …………………………….. 20


Evaluation……………………………… 20
Livestock Judging Organization…………..…….…………. 20
A Class of Livestock…………………… 3 Presentation……..……………….....… 22
Placing Card……………….…………… 4 Words or Phrases to Avoid……..….… 23
Develop a System for Evaluation…….. 4 Voice Presentation……..……….…….. 24
Reasons Format………..………………24
Parts of the Animal …………..………….. 4 Note Taking……………………………. 25
External Parts of Beef Cattle ………… 5 Example Oral Reasons…………….… 26
External Parts of Sheep………………. 6 Terminology……………………….…… 29
External Parts of Swine.……….……… 7
Utilizing Livestock Performance Data .36
Selection Beef Performance Data……………... 36
Beef Cattle…………………………… 8 Sheep Performance Data…………... 37
Ideal Breeding Heifer ……….…… 9 Swine Performance Data…………… 38
Ideal Market Steer ……………… 12 Example Performance Scenarios…. 39
Hog Selection……………………….. 13
Ideal Market Hog………………... 14 Live Animal Evaluation……...………… 42
Ideal Breeding Gilt…………….… 16 Beef Cattle Grading….……………….. 42
Sheep……………………………..… 17 USDA Yield Grades……………… 43
Ideal Breeding Ewe……………… 18 USDA Quality Grades……………. 45
Ideal Market Lamb ……………… 19 Swine Grading……………………….. 48
USDA Quality Grades……………. 48
Lamb Grading………………………... 50

Glossary………………………………...… 51

Author:
Kelly Bruns
Instructor, Livestock Judging Team Coach
Department of Animal & Range Sciences
South Dakota State University, Brookings. Preface:
The author prepared this manual for anyone
Acknowledgments: who is confronted with learning the
The author is grateful to his secretaries fundamentals of livestock judging. The
Betty Knutsen and Rozanne McGrath for author is cognizant of the fact that portions
their untiring aid in assembling this manual of this manual will soon become outdated as
and making it a reality. Without their help, selection standards change. The author
this manual could not have been published. realizes that some coaches may not agree
The illustrations are the fine work of Kara with some of the suggestions made in this
Lamport, Hecla, SD and Dr. Roger Hunsley, manual. This is only natural, and it is
past graduate of South Dakota State important for students to follow the advice of
University and Secretary of the American their coach to remain successful.
Shorthorn Association.
Edition:
This edition is designed for students who
have experience in livestock evaluation and
would like further education on reasons.
Edition 1 1997. Edition 2 2003.-

2
INTRODUCTION TO LIVESTOCK JUDGING

To be able to effectively evaluate breeding Make keen observations and


and market animals is highly important in the compare them to the ideal.
animal industry. Livestock producers and
breeders evaluate livestock on their potential Weigh the good and bad points of
to produce high quality, efficient breeding each animal.
animals as well as saleable offspring. Order
buyers, feeders and packers evaluate Develop a system of analyzing and
livestock on their ability to convert feedstuffs examining animals so important
into red meat for the consumer. Both of points are not overlooked.
these groups of people are trying to relate
the “form” of the animal with “function” for Determine which animal fulfills a
which it is intended to serve. One can particular need and selection
readily see the economic importance of this priority.
activity. Thus, when we judge livestock we
differentiate among “superior”, “average”, Combine performance records with
and “inferior” livestock. We are looking for visual appraisal.
the most desirable animals to fit our
particular needs.
A Class of Livestock
While the modern breeder combines
performance records with live judging when A class of livestock generally consists of four
selecting breeding animals, the same traits animals. In breeding classes they usually
which indicate high merit in slaughter are of one particular breed, sex and age
animals are also important in the selection of group. In market classes however, there
breeding stock. The evaluation of animal may be a combination of breeds and sexes.
structure and breeding soundness is A livestock judging contest is simply a
necessary in selecting breeding animals. collection of various classes of livestock.

Livestock judging is an art developed A case where more than four animals are
through patient study and long practice. To used is when a student is judging a cull/keep
be a good livestock judge you must: class. Eight animals are used and a student
would need to decide on which animals they
Know the parts of the animal and would like to keep or cull.
their location.
As you approach a class of livestock, you
Know which parts are most will probably be told to turn your back toward
important for meat and breeding the class and to label your placing card. Do
stock production and the most not begin judging until you are told to start.
desirable conformation for each Once “time is in” on the class, you will
part. probably have 10 to 15 minutes to judge the
class. With 2 to 3 minutes remaining in a
Visualize the ideal animal. class, you can mark your placing card.
Always double check your placing on your
card before turning it in to the group leader.

3
PLACING CARD

A placing card is the official record of how a person placed a class. Every time you judge a class
of livestock you will be asked to turn in a placing card. Shown below are two examples of placing
cards. There is a line for your name or contestant number (A) and. a line for the class name
and/or number of the class (B). The larger card also has a place for answering up to six
questions.

Develop a System for Evaluation 2. Three angles. Try to look at the


class from the side, the rear, and
Each time you judge a class of livestock or the front. You should compare each
analyze a group of livestock, you should rely animal to the others in the class and
on a system of observing the animals. to the “ideal” animal you have
pictured in your mind.
1. Stand back. Allow enough room
between yourself and the animals 3. Big things place the class. Always
so that you can see all animals at look for and analyze the good and
one time. This allows you to make bad characteristics of each animal.
better observations concerning the Make sure you place the class
class. according to the big things.

Parts of the Animal

The following pages will prove you with diagrams of the external parts of an animal. Proper
understanding of the parts of animals allows you to better communicate an animal’s strong and
weak points.

4
5
6
7
BEEF CATTLE SELECTION

The ideal beef animal is a combination of Females should have a correct amount of
many factors. Emphasis has been put on a muscle. Far too often some cows are bred
variety of different traits over the past 40 to have excessive amounts of muscle and
years changing the cattle from small, overly become very coarse in their appearance.
fat cattle to a bigger more muscular cattle. It These females often do not milk as well and
is important to note that as a judge of beef may not have the longevity of cows which
cattle, a balance of traits needs to be are more feminine. Females should flesh
selected to have a well-balanced animal that easily on an adequate amount of feed and
is proportionately correct. not be narrow or hard fleshing cattle.

Cattle, both breeding and market, should Market Animal Design


first be structurally sound. Figure 4 depicts
the ideal breeding female. Note the Just as breeding cattle have changed and
straightness of lines, yet she possesses the progressed over the years, market cattle
correct angulation to her shoulder, hip, hock also have changed from cattle that were
and pasterns. These correct angles will excessively fat in the 50’s, to excessively
allow the heifer to move in a fluid manner, large-framed cattle in the early 80’s, to a
taking a long, free, easy moving stride. If more modestly framed, muscular steer of
the lines, where the bones are were the 90’s. The ideal market steer (Figure 7)
straighter then the animal would be should be a stout, fast growing animal that is
restricted in its movement. Cattle that are heavy muscled and carries a minimum
extremely straight move on a short stride amount of outside fat. From the side, the
and set their feet down hard. Feet and leg ideal steer should be free of extra leather in
placement should be square on a large hoof. the throat area and have a clean, neat
Figures 5 and 7 illustrate the correct leg and brisket and dewlap. The middle should be
feet set as well as common abnormalities. trim with a clean, long underline. The flank
Extremely curved legs are also called sickle should not be excessively tight, nor should it
hocked because they resemble a sickle. be excessively deep as some judges prefer
Sickle hocked cattle tend to walk underneath it “today”. Extra depth and excessive
themselves and are uncoordinated in their fullness to the flank is nothing but waste fat.
movement. Bowlegged cattle have hocks The animal should have a muscular forearm,
that point outward and also move on a short a thick, strong muscular top and a long,
stride. Cattle that are cow hocked are in at level, wide rump. The quarter should be
their hocks and their feet point outward. long and deep with flare and expression
Abnormalities of the front legs are also throughout. Structural correctness should
important. When an animal has incorrect be emphasized just as it is in a breeding
leg and feet placement, it affects their animal. Market animals should move in a
movement greatly. These animals often free, easy manner and stand square and
hold their head lower and move on a short straight on their feet and legs. The object of
stride. all market animals is to produce a carcass
that results in the maximum amount of lean
Female Design red meat yield, with a minimum amount of
waste fat. Ideal carcass characteristics are
A female should possess those described in the beef grading section.
characteristics that are ideal to a female.
The neck is long and thin with a feminine
head. Her body has a broody appearance
with well sprung ribs.

8
9
10
11
12
HOG SELECTION

The ideal market hog combines muscle and has very little muscle development
leanness in a large skeleton. The hog throughout. The hog is extremely narrow
should gain fast so that it produces a based as well as being narrow throughout
maximum amount of muscle and minimum with no definition and shape to its muscle.
amount of fat from 240 lb. to 260 lbs. at 140- Hog D is both excessively fat and light
160 days of age. muscled. Hog D represents hogs that are
light muscled and heavily conditioned. This
Figure 8 illustrates the distinguishing type of hog has a wide top with a narrow
characteristics of the ideal market hog. base. There is no shape or expression of
Points of importance that can be used as muscle throughout the ham or top.
indications of muscling and finish are
labeled. The ideal market hog should be Judging breeding gilts is done in much the
lean and free of excess condition. From the same manner as market hogs. Gilts should
side, the ideal market hog should be trim be lean and muscular and have a fairly large
through the lower one-third and have a skeleton. More emphasis is put on selecting
prominent shoulder blade. It should have a gilts that are structurally sound without
muscular forearm and a level top with a sacrificing muscle and leanness.
long, square rump. The ham should be long Performance must be considered when
and deep with a muscular shape. The selecting breeding animals. Gilts that are
skeleton should be wide with feet and legs large scaled and fast growing are a top
set square with proper angulation to the priority. Figure 10 depicts an ideal breeding
joints and ample cushion to the pasterns. gilt. Note the leanness she possesses in
combination with her depth and spring of rib.
The ideal market hog should have a She is a nicely patterned gilt that is well
muscular, lean shape of top. Hogs that are balanced and proportionately correct with a
both lean and muscular will possess this feminine neck and head.
“butterfly shape” with a groove down the
middle of their topline. The shape of the Underline quality in gilts is extremely
ham on a lean, muscular hog will be important. Gilts having large litters of pigs
expressive with bulge and flare throughout need functional underlines to support their
the center and lower portion of the ham. offspring. Gilts should have at least six
They will also stand wide with exceptional functional teats on each side but more are
width of base. desired. The teats should be small and fine
textured, not large or coarse. The underline
Figure 9 illustrates the rear view of four hogs should be evenly spaced throughout. Teats
and a description of each. Hog A has the that are crowded and not evenly spaced
shape of a lean, muscular hog as mentioned may hinder milk production. The underline
above. Hog A has the characteristic groove should also reach forward, starting as far
down his top to signify extreme leanness as forward on the gilt as possible.
well as muscularity. Hog B is an excessively Abnormalities of the underline also include
fat barrow that has a round, wide top unlike pin, blunt and inverted nipples. Pin nipples
the square lean shaped top of Hog A. Hog are very small teats or take the place of a
B has a smooth appearance which is a good functional teat. Blunt teats are flat and
indication of excess condition. He also has coarse. Inverted teats point upwards
less muscle expression than Hog A since he instead of downwards and don’t develop.
is flatter through the center and lower Pin, Blunt, and inverted teats are all
portion of his ham. Animal C possesses a unfunctional and undesirable.
somewhat lean shape of top but

13
14
15
16
SHEEP SELECTION

To become extremely proficient in sheep types can be viewed at the South Dakota
judging can sometimes be difficult. Many State University livestock judging website at
different opinions, from breeders and judges http://ars.sdstate.edu. A judge should
alike, concerning the ideal type of market acquaint themselves with the ideal
lamb or breeding sheep exist. In the last 20 characteristics of each breed taking into
years there has been an effort to make account the head, muzzle, ears and legs.
sheep larger. Some breeders have Proper fleece characteristics for a specific
sacrificed muscle, structural soundness and breed should also be understood. The body
breed character for simply larger sheep. In of a sheep should be long, as the highest
some instances this has resulted in breeding priced cuts come from the rack and loin.
sheep that are narrow and less efficient or Length is also a good indicator of future
“hard doing”. growth. A short-necked sheep that is low
fronted is usually early maturing and won’t
To master the art of judging sheep you must develop into a large breeding sheep. A
consider a balance of the following traits: strong, level top is important with ribs that
structure, size, natural fleshing ability or have spring and arch. The loin should be
volume, sex & breed character, muscle, wide and deep with a long, square rump that
finish, and wool quality. The proper balance is wide. The muscle pattern should be
of the above traits is dependent on the smooth, not tight and coarse.
specific purpose of the sheep they produce.
When judging sheep, like any other The ideal market sheep (Figure 12) is one
livestock, it is important to select for animals that yields a high amount of boneless
that are proportionately constructed, trimmed retail cuts. The lamb should be trim
matching the correct amount of frame with and free of excess condition. Indicators of
muscle and volume. condition are the breast, middle, and over
the ribs and top. The ribs and top should be
The ideal breeding sheep (Figure 11) should firm to the touch, indicating a combination of
be structurally correct. Her feet and legs muscle and trimness, not soft resulting in
should be placed square with an adequate excess condition. Lambs should have a
amount of width between them. She should muscular top with a deep loin. The rump
be heavy boned with a large foot. Like should be square and level, with a wide,
breeding cattle, correct angles of the muscular appearance. The leg of the lamb
skeleton are important for proper movement. should be muscular and firm to handle with
A breeding ram or ewe should have an ample amount of shape and expression.
exceptional sex-characteristics. Breed Lambs should be stylish and well balanced.
character is also very important. The head A trim, muscular lamb that is structurally
is a good indicator of proper breed type as correct is the basis of balance. Length of
well as femininity or masculinity. body and front are important factors when
Descriptions of proper breed type for various analyzing style and balance. .

17
18
19
ORAL REASONS IN LIVESTOCK JUDGING

Oral reasons are an important part of A complete vocabulary of livestock


livestock judging. Many students are related terms.
reluctant to give oral reasons. Although
giving oral reasons at first may be difficult Variation in the use of descriptive
and frustrating, with hard work and many terms (avoid repetition).
hours of practice it can be mastered.
A conversational tone of delivery.
Why are oral reasons so important? First of
all, in most senior college livestock judging A sincere, emphatic and persuasive
contests, oral reasons make up 40% of the delivery.
total points. Thus, proficiency at reasons
will improve your score in contests. Second, Use of correct grammar.
giving reasons involves important skills.
Public speaking skills, persuasive technique, Use of pauses and voice inflection
organizational skills and the ability to think for emphasis.
on your feet will improve with practice in
giving reasons. Volume that is appropriate for the
size of the room and to remain
This section focuses on the procedure as conversational.
well as many details of preparing and
presenting oral reasons in a livestock A logical, organized format that is
judging contest. Also attached are several easy for the listener to follow.
sample sets of oral reasons narratives.
They may help give you some ideas on how Proper eye contact.
to prepare and present your oral reasons.
Correct posture.
How a Set of Oral Reasons are Evaluated
Absence of distracting movements.
Many different styles of reasons are
practiced. Virtually all can be successful if How do I organize my reasons?
used properly. However, style is not that
important of a factor as long as reasons are Reasons should be presented in a manner
accurate, concise, and conversational. so that the reason taker can follow the class
When aiming for high scores on oral reason description. The organization of your
sets, the most important qualities to strive thoughts prior to presenting your reasons is
for in evaluating a set of oral reasons are: very important. However, accuracy is by far
the most important quality in evaluating
Accuracy of statements presented. reasons. The value of accuracy can be
largely lost unless reasons are presented in
Completeness-all important points an easily followed manner. It is important to
must be discussed. note that a set of reasons is not a discussion
of each animal separately, but rather a
The ability to emphasize the most comparison of the top, middle and bottom
important differences between two pairs of animals.
animals.

20
There are two main methods of organizing words can cause the set of reasons to be
the details on a pair of animals: excessively wordy. However, when used
properly, they add to the smoothness of the
Prioritization – most important differences set. Listed below are some more commonly
first, leaving the minor differences to the used conjunctive words.
end; or anatomically – front to rear or vice
versa. • Additionally…
• In addition to…
Anatomical organization is probably the • Also…
easiest method for beginning judges to • Plus…
master. However, most senior colleges use • As well as…
the prioritization method because it better • Furthermore…
explains their respective placing because • This, coupled with…
the reason giver is telling the most important
• More importantly…
traits first.
In addition to conjunctive words, transition
An example of prioritization type of reasons
can also aid the presenter in delivery of
is as follows: In the middle pair, I preferred
his/her set of reasons. Transitions are
the advantages of muscle as well as eye
simply a way of moving smoothly from one
appeal found in 2 over 3. The black steer
section of the reasons to another.
was simply (1) heavier muscled, as he
Transitions should be done as simply as
handled with more expression of muscle
possible while still maintaining a smooth
down his top and had more width to the
transition that is grammatically correct.
center part of his quarter. Additionally, he
Excessively wordy transitions are strongly
was a (2) nicer profiling steer that was
discouraged. It is also important not to be
smoother shouldered and especially cleaner
redundant or use double transitions.
fronted. He also was more (3) structurally
correct in that he was leveler from hooks to
Listed below are some simple words to use
pins and stood squarer and straighter
when moving into a grant:
behind than 3.
• I grant…
Regardless of the method of presenting oral
reasons, it is important that the presenter be • I recognize…
accurate and easy to follow. It is equally • I realize…
important that the presenter not use a large • I admit…
number of terms in close succession. Such
an example might be: 2 is a thicker, longer, When moving from a grant to a criticism you
taller, cleaner fronted, straighter topped may try this example: I realize that 2 is a
steer. As one can imagine, the terms are straighter lined steer that is cleaner fronted,
being spoken so quickly that the listener (however or but) he is (move to criticism) the
cannot possibly comprehend everything lightest muscled steer of the four.
that was said. The example should be
broken into two sentences. Two is a longer To move into a criticism we may also use:
bodied steer that is thicker made.
Additionally 2 is nicer balanced, as he is • I realize that 1 is …, nevertheless I
cleaner fronted and straighter lined. It is used him in the top pair over 2
important to note that conjunctive words are because …
used to help tie sentences together. If used • (However or But) I fault 2 and left
properly, they can be used to move him second…
smoothly from one part to the next. It is • (However or But) I criticize 3 and left
important to note that overuse of conjunctive him third because he is…

21
Transitions can also be used to move from • Contestants are allowed two minutes for
faults/criticisms into pair comparisons. a set of reasons, but to score high they
should usually be shorter. It is rare to
• Despite this, I still prefer 2 over observe a class that requires more than
3 in the middle because… 90 to 105 seconds to be completely and
• However, in the middle pair, I accurately described. Inaccurate
used 2 over 3… statements cost points and redundancy
• Still in the bottom pair I is considered poor style, thus, the
preferred 2 over 3… student is advised to be concise and
minimize all unnecessary comments.
Almost anyone can discuss a class if
Reasons should be clean and free of verbal given a long time and no pressure.
garbage as much as possible. However, Superior reason givers are those who
properly used, transitions can be effective. can do so in 90 seconds.
As a reminder, don’t be redundant, be
creative and original yet conversational. • Enter the room confidently, but do not
act arrogant.
HOW DO I PRESENT MY REASONS?
• If the officials offer you a placing card,
The biggest mistake many contestants make thank them, check to make certain that
is trying to memorize their reasons from their the card is yours, check your placings,
notes. The notes on each reasons class are and place the card behind your back
to be used as reminders as to how each before beginning.
animal looked. Notes should also be used • Try not to stand too close to the official.
to help the participant place the class. By Between 8 and 10 feet is about right
listing the good and bad points of each depending on the strength of your voice
animal, one can properly weight the good and the size of the room.
from the bad. It is critical that any student
interested in livestock judging be able to • Stand with your feet at shoulder width
develop the skills required to recall a class and both hands behind your back.
of livestock. If a student is familiar with the
terminology and can picture the class in their • Vary your delivery. Use pauses and
mind while presenting the reasons, then voice inflection to emphasize main
notes are not needed. points.

If your set of reasons is good and properly • Use facial expression to add emphasis
delivered, it will be perceived as a to key points. You may use slight head
persuasive explanation and logical gestures, but be aware that other body
discussion. In addition you will be thought of movements may be distracting.
as a confident and knowledgeable stock
person. • If a pair is very close, be certain to give
several advantages to the lower placing
Consider the following tips when making animal.
your presentation:
• Try to visualize the class of animals as
• Be prompt when it is your turn. you give reasons. This will become
However, if you get caught short of time easier through practice.
between sets, ask the official for more
time if you really need it. The official • Avoid mixing up numbers of animals.
may or may not give you the extra time.

22
• Use class comparisons when Below is a list of words and phrases that
appropriate. For example, when should be avoided:
granting describe the second place
heifer as “the most structurally correct • Number: Avoid using this word. If the
heifer in the class”, if that statement is animal’s number is 4, refer to him as “4”
accurate. This is more complete than as if that was his name not “the number
simply granting that the animal is more 4 steer”.
correct than the first place heifer.
Similarly it may be appropriate to • It: Use “he” or “she” instead. Be sure to
criticize the second place animal as “the use the correct gender.
smallest framed heifer in the class” even
though you do not place her last. • Animal or Individual: Instead say
“steer”, “bull”, “barrow”, etc.
• Introduce your set of reasons with the
name of the class exactly as it was • Lacks: This term is not direct enough.
given to you. Rather than “fault 2 because he lacks
muscling”, you should “fault 2 because
• Do not abbreviate breed names such as he was light-muscled”.
“Hamp” for “Hampshire”.
• For being: Instead of saying “I fault 2
• Mention the breed name when for being light-muscled”, say “I fault 2
discussing breed character. “1 had because he was light-muscled”.
more ideal Dorset breed character as
evidenced by…” • I would like to see: This is wordy and
informal. Instead of saying “I would like
• Include points of identification in your to see 2 wider-topped”, point out that “2
reasons. For example, “the white was narrow-topped” or say “Ideally 2
Shorthorn heifer” or “a partial belt would be wider-topped”.
Hampshire gilt”.
• Placing: Instead say “I placed the
• Be prompt, concise, and polite with your ______”.
answer if the judge asks you a question
after your reasons. DO NOT ARGUE! • Criticizing or Faulting: Instead say “I
criticize” or “I fault”.

WORDS OR PHRASES THAT SHOULD • Kind of or Type of: Say a “more


BE AVOIDED complete heifer” instead of a “more
complete kind of heifer”.
One of your goals in presenting oral reasons
is to present information as concisely, • Throughout, Overall, or From end to
accurately and professionally as you can end: Be more specific.
within the time limit you are given. Using an
incorrect word or a phrase that is not • Carries or Carrying: Instead of “carries
specific enough can cost you points and into a thicker quarter”, say “was thicker
may even turn out to be the determining through the quarter” or “had a thicker
factor in your placing as an individual or quarter”.
team.
• My: Do not say “in my middle pair”.
They are not your animals. Instead say
“In the middle pair”.

23
WHAT TYPE OF VOICE PRESENTATION livestock terminology and present
SHOULD I USE? convincingly, in a conversational manner.

Reasons should be presented in a fashion WHAT TYPE OF REASONS FORMAT DO I


that is pleasant to listen to. One must speak USE?
with authority, but in a conversational tone.
Do not scream or shout your reasons. It is The format used for reasons at South
equally important not to talk so fast that the Dakota State University is simple and
official can not comprehend everything that straight forward and allows for a complete
was said. Reasons should be presented in description of a class. This style does
a tone slightly louder than conversation. require a thorough understanding of
Your tone should be convincing and sincere livestock evaluation as animals are analyzed
but not overbearing. in detail and one must have the ability to
recognize important differences and place
Avoid a dry, monotone delivery. Be these differences in a prioritized order.
enthusiastic and confident in your delivery.
Terms or phrases of importance should be
emphasized. Emphasizing terms or phrases A class of livestock consists of three pairs; a
allows the presenter to fluctuate his/her top pair, a middle pair and a bottom pair. In
voice and keeps the listener attentive. each pair we have three basic sections:
Students need to pause at the periods at the Comparison, grant and criticism. The type
end of sentences to allow them to get a of terminology used in each section of the
breath of air. reasons is important. In the opening
statement on the top animal you may use
Students enunciate terms clearly and that either descriptive terms or class comparison.
sentences are grammatically correct. You Following is an outline that demonstrates the
can be rewarded with a good score if you basic format: (Figure 13)
remember to be accurate, contain good

Figure 13. Reasons Format

Introduction to the class I placed the…1-2-3-4-


Opening statement I started the class with …
Comparison of 1 over 2 I used 1 over 2 in the top pair
because he is …
Grants 2 over 1 I admit 2 is …
Criticisms of 2 But I admit 2 is…so is second
Compare 2 over 3 In the middle pair I preferred 2
over 3
Grant 3 over 2 I grant 3 is…
Criticism of 3 However 3 is the third
because…
Compare 3 over 4 Now in the bottom pair
Grant 4 over 3 I realize 4 is…
Criticism of 4 But 4 is last because…

24
ORGANIZATION AND FORMAT FOR NOTE TAKING

A good judge can visualize a class of A 6” by 9” steno notebook is suggested for


animals in his mind. In contests, several use in taking reasons notes. Divide the
classes are judged in a short time, and oral page into equal sections as shown in the
reasons are given later. Therefore, it is example. Copy the name of the class and
necessary to take notes on what you your placing at the top of the page. Use the
observe about the animals in each class. four boxes at the top of the page for general
Notes are to be used for study before giving descriptive terms for each animal. Use the
oral reasons to the judge and should not be boxes on the left side of the notebook for
read to the reasons taker. A good set of advantages for each pair and the right side
notes should help you recall or remake a for the grants and faults of the second place
mental picture of the class in your mind. animal in each pair.

Take short, simple notes and form a habit of The reasons can be read directly from the
using terms with which you can easily make notes in a logical fashion – left to right.
comparisons. List the main points first for Notice how the terms and phrases are read
each pair, and then add details or specific directly from the notes, flowing and blending
differences. In this manner you will always to make a complete set of reasons. The
have points to talk about on all three pairs. example set of notes of Market steers 1-4-2-
3, can be seen in reason form following the
suggested form for your notes. (page 25)

25
EXAMPLE SET OF REASONS

The following example set of reasons is included to give you the opportunity to visualize how the
format and transitions are utilized in a set of reasons. Try to follow the format as you read
through this example.

Market Steers
1-4-2-3

I placed the crossbred market steers 1-4-2-3. I started with 1 as he is the heaviest muscled, most
correctly finished steer in the class. 1 placed over 4 in the top pair because 1 is the thickest
topped steer with the most shape and expression through his quarter. Additionally, 1 is a more
correctly finished steer that is smoother handling and is deeper ribbed than 4. 1 should have a
carcass with the best chance of grading choice. I grant 4 is the nicest profiling steer in the class
and is longer necked and leveler through his rump than 1. However, the black steer is narrow
based, flat through his stifle and handles bare over his last two ribs, so he is second.

In the middle pair, I like 4 over 2. 4 is the nicest balanced steer that is the cleanest fronted and
strongest topped in the class. 4 is also a more structurally correct steer with a more correct set to
his hock. More importantly 4 is lighter conditioned and firmer handling than 2. 4 should have a
carcass that is trimmer than 2. I recognize that 2 is more muscular, with more thickness through
his quarter and more dimension of stifle than 4, but the Hereford steer is the heaviest conditioned
and softest handling in the class so he is third.

I like 2 over 3 in the bottom pair since 2 is a more market ready steer that is heavier muscled. 2
is thicker over his rump and has more volume of muscle in his quarter. Plus he is a deeper
ribbed, bolder sprung steer that appears to be higher performing than 3. I admit that the black,
white face steer is longer bodied and trimmer than 2. But, he is the barest handling, lightest
muscled steer that is the narrowest made. 2 should have the least chance of grading choice in
the class.

Notice how identification of the steers is used. General terms are presented first followed by
specific details with the class advantages told as soon as the steer is talked about and carcass
terms are at the end of the pairs and the last place animal

Charolais Heifers
2-1-4-3

My placing of the Charolais heifers is 2-1-4-3. I started with the branded heifer as she combined
femininity, balance and structural correctness to the highest degree. 2 is the most performance
oriented heifer in the class that is the straightest lined and nicest profiling heifer. More
importantly, she’s the most structurally correct heifer that took the longest, freest stride of the
four. I realize 1 is heavier muscled than 2 but she is the coarsest made heifer in the class, so
she’s second.

In my middle comparison, I prefer 1 over 4. 1 is a higher volume heifer that appears to be


easier fleshing. 1 has more arch and shape of rib. Plus she is a wider based and heavier
muscled heifer than 4. I admit that 4 is a more feminine designed heifer who is nicer profiling
than 1, but she’s the narrowest based, shallowest bodied heifer in the class.

Yet in my final comparison, I still liked 4 over 3. 4 is a growthier, more skeletally extended heifer
than 3. Additionally, she’s a stronger topped, leveler rumped heifer that stood straighter and
squarer on her rear legs. I grant 3 is a higher volume, deeper ribbed heifer that was heavier
muscled than 4, but she’s the pounds-lite heifer that’s the poorest balanced and least structurally
correct in the class.

26
Crossbred Market Hogs
3-4-1-2

I place the crossbred market hogs 3-4-1-2. In this drive of non-littermate gilts, I started with 3.
She is the most carcass oriented hog that best combines muscle and lean. She places over 4 in
the top pair as she is the biggest skeleton, largest outline gilt that offers the most market weight
flexibility. More importantly, she is the best combination of leanness and muscle. She has the
most turn and shape of top and the most flare to her ham loin juncture. 3 will have the carcass
with the greatest percent muscle. I grant 4 is heavier boned and bigger footed than 3, but 4 is the
shortest fronted and wasty through her lower third.

Production places the middle pair and it’s easily 4 over 1. 4 is simply wider constructed and fast
gaining and should take fewer days to reach 240 pounds. 4 is also a heavier muscled gilt that will
have a carcass with more muscle than 1. I realize 1 is a leaner gilt that is cleaner through her
lower third. However, I placed her third because she is the smallest scaled hog in the class.

With this aside, leanness places the bottom pair. 1 is a leaner gilt that has a squarer, more
muscular shape of top, and more shape and expression of ham. She will hang a carcass with a
higher percent muscle than 2. I admit 2 is bigger outlined, but this does not compensate for the
fact that she is the lightest muscled and narrowest made gilt that has the least width behind. She
will hang the lightest muscled carcass in the drive.

Yorkshire Breeding Gilts


2-1-4-3

I placed the Yorkshire breeding gilts 2-1-4-3. I started with 2 as she combined volume and
muscling to the greatest degree. 2 is the widest constructed largest outline gilt in the class. She
is also the heaviest muscled gilt that is wider based and has more expression of ham. I admit
that 1 is leaner than 2 but 1 is a heavy conditioned wasty middled gilt.

In the middle pair, I liked 1 over 4. 1 is a freer moving gilt that is looser made and moves on a
longer stride. She is the higher volumed gilt of the pair and has a finer textured underline. I admit
that 4 is larger scaled and longer sided. But at the same time, she is tight ribbed, fine boned and
has a pin nipple on her right side.

Even so, in my final decision I liked 4 over 3. She is a larger scaled, longer bodied gilt that is
more feminine appearing. 4 also is a leaner gilt that has more blade action on the move, with
more expression of muscle down her top and more natural expression through her ham. I grant
that 3 is a looser made gilt that was leveler designed. But 3 places last because she is the poor
structured gilt that is steep rumped. Along with this, she is the lightest muscled and heaviest
conditioned gilt in the class.

27
Suffolk Breeding Ewes
1-2-3-4

I placed the Suffolk breeding ewes 1-2-3-4. I started the class with 1, the best combination of
structural correctness and extension in the class. 1 places over 2 in my top decision as 1 is a
more eye appealing ewe that is better balanced and straighter lined. Additionally, 1 is the
growthiest ewe in the class. I admit that 2 is a bolder strung and deeper ribbed ewe than 1. Yet,
I preferred 2 second because she is an early maturing ewe that is short fronted and coarse
shouldered.

With this aside, 2 places over 3 in the middle pair. 2 is a growthier ewe that’s longer bodied and
taller made. Also, she appears to be pounds heavier with more width of base than 3.
Additionally, 2 is a more capacious ewe that is deeper ribbed and bolder sprung. I grant that 3
shows more Suffolk breed character being blacker about her points with a longer, more bell-
shaped ear. But I placed her third as she is tightest ribbed and shallowest made ewe in the class.

Now in the bottom pair, I still like 3 over 4. 3 is a more feminine appearing ewe that is more
feminine about her head and smoother shouldered. In addition, she is a more extended ewe than
4 as she is especially longer about her head and neck. I recognize that the blue tagged ewe is
thicker made and higher volume. But 4 places last because she is the smallest framed and the
shortest bodied ewe in the class.

28
TERMINOLOGY FOR LIVESTOCK JUDGING

Proper use of terminology separates the knowledgeable livestock person from the rest.
Individuals who have a thorough knowledge of terms and how they fit the animals better describe
a picture of the class to the reason taker. Proper use and choice of descriptive terms will receive
high scores in the reason room. Team members should put high priority on originality, but
remember to use terms that can be understood.

TERMINOLOGY FOR CATTLE and SHEEP

Breeding cattle and sheep are generally placed on a combination of:

* growth * muscle
* volume/capacity * sex characteristics
* structural correctness * correctness of condition
* balance

TERMINOLOGY FOR MARKET STEERS and MARKET LAMBS

Market steers are generally placed on a combination of:

* muscle * structural correctness


* correctness of condition * growth
* balance and eye appeal * volume/capacity

Movement – Structural Correctness

Advantages Disadvantages
Longer, freer striding Short stride
Easier moving Restricted in movement
More angle to shoulder Straight shouldered
More correct set to his hock Post legged or Sickle hocked
Wider tracking Narrow tracking
Squarer standing Cow hocked
Bigger Foot Small Foot
Shallow heel

Frame – Growth Potential

Advantages Disadvantages
Stood taller at the shoulder (sheep) Lower fronted
Longer: bodied, rumped, hipped Short bodied
Indicates more growth potential: Early maturing
Longer cannon, extension in front, Shorter cannon
Leaner at same age, longer headed
Taller/longer fronted Short fronted
Appears to have highest W.D.A. in class Lowest W.D.A. in class
Highest performing Pounds lightest

29
CATTLE AND SHEEP TERMINOLOGY

General Appearance – Balance

Advantages Disadvantages
More eye appealing Least eye appealing
More stylish
Nicer balanced Poor balanced
Smoother made Coarse/rough
Straightest made
Straighter lined Weak topped
Better structured Poorest structured

Volume – Ruggedness

Advantages Disadvantages
Highest volume/most capacious Shallow
Deepest ribbed Tight ribbed
Widest chested Narrow chested
More spring and shape of rib/bolder sprung Flat ribbed
Stout Frail
Heavy boned Fine boned

Muscle

Advantages Disadvantages
Heavier muscled Light muscled
More expressively muscled/more natural thickness Flat quartered
Thicker topped Shallow loin
More muscular expression Flat
(forearm, loin, rump, stifle, quarter) (forearm, loin, stifle, quarter)
More correct muscle design Coarse in muscle design
Wider from stifle to stifle Stand close and narrow behind
Thicker, squarer rump Narrow rumped
Deeper quartered Shallow quartered

Carcass

Open terms with “This animal will have a carcass with …”

Advantages Disadvantages
A lower numerical yield grade The highest yield grade
Trimmest Heaviest conditioned/wastiet
Higher cutability carcass Lowest cutability
Requiring less fat trim Most fat trim
More muscular carcass That is light muscled
Should have a carcass that is more apt Least chance of grading choice
to grade choice

30
CATTLE AND SHEEP TERMINOLOGY

Condition

Market Cattle
Advantages Disadvantages
Firmer and fresher handling Stale
Lighter conditioned/trimmer Heaviest conditioned/softest,
wastiest
Most correctly finished steer Barest handling
Nicest handling steer as he is smooth handling Poor handling steer as he is
patchy or
rough handling
Trimmer through (brisket, flank, and cod) Wasty though (brisket, flank and
cod)
More apt to grade choice Greenest appearing
More market ready Least market ready

Market Lambs
Advantages Disadvantages
Trimmer, cleaner pattern Wasty
Lighter conditioned Heavier conditioned
Firmer handling Soft handling
Trimmer middled Wasty through his/her lower 1/3
Cleaner breast Fuller breast

Sex Characteristics

Female
Advantages Disadvantages
More femininity through her head, Coarse made
neck and shoulder
Longer necked Short necked
Cleaner necked Wasty fronted
Smooth shouldered Round shouldered

Male
Advantages Disadvantages
Stronger jaw Shallow jaw
Bolder eye Small eye
More ruggedly made Refined
More testicular development Least testicular development
Tighter sheath Loose sheath, lazy prepuce
More desirable scrotal shape

31
CATTLE AND SHEEP TERMINOLOGY

Fleece and Breed Character for Sheep

Fleece and Skin


Advantages Disadvantages
Denser/tighter fleece Loose/open fleece
Greater crimp Lacks crimp
More uniform fleece from shoulder to britch Ununiform
Heavier – shearing fleece Lbs light fleece
Finer Lacks character
Longer staple Contains black fiber
More uniform grading fleece Coarse in her britch wool
Freer of black fiber Harsh
More character Dirty
More uniform crimp Belly wool
Should shear more pounds of clean fleece
Bolder crimp of fiber

Head
Advantages Disadvantages
More (breed) character Long, narrow head
More open faced (Hamps, Rambouillets, Shrops)
Darker about the points (Hamps and Suffolks) Plain (Coarse) – headed
More correct set to the ear Roman-nosed
More femininity Wooly headed
More complete wool cap (Hamps, Rambouillets, Wooly eared
and Columbias) Parrot mouth
Longer, more bell shaped ear (Suffolks) Short-eared (Suffolks)
Longer-headed (Suffolks) Black in the poll (Hamps)

Breed Character

Advantages Disadvantages
Suffolk
Blacker about points Brown legged/headed
Longer more bell shaped ear Small

Hampshire
Fuller wool cap Broken wool cap/bare headed
Smaller thicker ear Large ear

Dorset
Shorter thicker ear Large ear
Shorter muzzle Longer muzzle

* Proper description of various sheep breeds can be found at the South Dakota State
University Livestock judging website: http://ars.sdstate.edu.

32
SWINE TERMINOLOGY

BREEDING SWINE TERMINOLOGY


Breeding swine are placed on a combination of:

* structural correctness * balance


* volume * muscle
* scale – growth potential * sex characteristics
* correctness of condition

MARKET SWINE TERMINOLOGY


Market swine are generally placed on a combination of:

* muscle * balance
* leanness * volume
* structural correctness

Structure

Advantages Disadvantages
Angulation/cushion of pastern Stiff or steep in her pasterns
Sounder Least structurally correct
More flex (give) through her hock or knee Stiff and peggy behind
Freer or easier moving Tighter moving
More desirable slope to his/her shoulder Straight shouldered
Leveler rumped gilt that was more Steep rumped
correct in her movement
Longer strided Short strided
Straighter tracking Cow hocked
Truer from knee to ground Over in his knees
Looser jointed Tight jointed
Heavy bone Frail
More durable, heavier structured Refined
More even toe size Uneven toe size
Sets down a bigger foot Small footed
More confinement adaptable as she is….

Growth – Production

Advantages Disadvantages
Appears to have taken fewer days to 240 lb Appears to have taken the most
days to 240 lb
Appears to be a faster growing Slowest growing
More youthful appearing, later maturing Earlier maturing
Larger (scaled, outline) Small scaled, short bodied
More production oriented Slow growing, pounds light

33
SWINE TERMINOLOGY

Muscling

Advantages Disadvantages
Breeding Gilts
More (correct, desirable) in her muscle (design, pattern) Tight n her muscle design
Longer and looser in her muscle design Tight wound
Heavier muscled Light muscled
Squarer and thicker rumped, hipped Narrow rumped
Longer & looser in her muscle design Tight wound
More muscular down her top Narrow topped
More correctly shaped down her top
More expressive down her top
Meatier spread down his top
Thicker (top, rump, ham)

Market Hogs
More expressively muscled Flat
Square more muscular top Narrow topped
Wider rumped Narrow rumped
More shape ham Flat hammed

Leanness

Advantages Disadvantages
Leaner/trimmer Heavier condition
Cleaner elbow pocket More condition in elbow pocket
Leaner shape of top Round top
Cleaner jowl Wasty jowl
Showed more blade action, movement

Balance

Advantages Disadvantages
Leveler design/leveler topped Broken topped or high topped
High tail setting Steep rump
Longer necked, longer fronted Short necked
Longer sided Short sided, coupled

34
SWINE TERMINOLOGY

Volume/Stoutness

Advantages Disadvantages
Higher volume/more capacious Least capacious
Fuller ribbed Shallow ribbed/tight ribbed
More spring of her rib Flat rib
Greater spring of rib Flat ribbed
Wider based Narrow based
Wider chested Narrow chested
Wider (between/ through) his blades Narrow and flat shouldered
More width of skeleton Narrow skeleton
Bigger bladed, bolder bladed Tight shouldered

Sex Characteristics

Female
Advantages Disadvantages
Prominent underline Flat underline
More evenly spaced underline Uneven spacing
Finer, more desirable texture Coarse underline
More correct teat (nipple) design Inverted nipple/pin/blunt
Set further forward Pin nipple
Male
Advantages Disadvantages
More testicular development Least testicular development
Cleaner tighter sheath Wasty sheath
More rugged/muscular appearing Frail, fine boned
More aggressive

Carcass

Advantages Disadvantages
Should rail a carcass requiring the least fat trim The most fat trim
Should yield a carcass with a higher % muscle The lowest % muscle or lean
Should have a greater lean yield
Should have a leaner, more shapely carcass
Should have a higher % of primal cuts
Should have a carcass with the highest % lean

35
BEEF PERFORMANCE DATA

Production Situations for Beef Cattle


3. Weaning Weight – The weight of a calf
Different types of cattle may work better in taken between 160 and 250 days of age
different situations. Performance data can and then adjusted to a constant age of
help select among animals of the same 205 days (actual, ratio, or EPD)
breed.
4. Yearling Weight – The weight of an
When selecting cattle, three basic factors animal taken between 330 and 440 days
should be addressed when making of age and adjusted to a constant age of
selections: 365 days (actual, ratio, or EPD)

1. Breeding Program 5. Maternal Milk EPD – The difference in


• What type of breeding program is pounds of calf expected at weaning due
being used? to differences in milking and mothering
• How are the selected animals to be ability of the cow.
used in that program?
• What are the goals or objectives of 6. Yearling Scrotal Circumference – The
this breeding program? distance around the testicles in the
scrotum of a bull at 365 days of age
2. Feed and Labor Resources measured in centimeters. A greater
• Under what conditions are the scrotal circumference indicates that a
animals being raised? bull should have the capacity to produce
• Are feed resources readily available greater volumes of semen and his
or limited? progeny should reach puberty at earlier
• Are labor resources readily available ages (actual or ratio).
or limited?
7. Hip Height or Frame Score – Height at
3. Marketing Program the hip in inches, or height at the hip in
• How are the cattle marketed? inches for a particular age (actual or
ratio).
• At what age and/or weight are the
cattle to be sold?
• For what type or kind of buyer are
the cattle being produced?

Performance Data & EPD’s Utilized in Beef


Production

1. Birth Date – Date an animal was born


(actual).

2. Birth Weight – The weight of a calf


taken at birth. Heavy birth weights are
associated with calving problems and
sometimes death of the calf or cow
(actual, ratio, or EPD)

36
SHEEP PERFORMANCE DATA

Production Situations for Sheep 5. Yearling Weight – The weight of a


sheep taken after 335 days of age and
Much like beef cattle, sheep scenarios are before 395 days of age, and adjusted to
designed to inform the student of the a constant age of 365 days (actual,
important areas within an enterprise. When ratio, FEPD).
selecting sheep, three basic factors should
be addressed: 6. Fleece Quantity and Quality – Wool
measurements on an animal are taken
1. Breeding Program only once in its lifetime and should be
• What type of breeding program is measured at approximately one year of
being used – purebred, crossbred or age. Wool measurements include:
rotational?
• What are the goals or objectives of Grease Weight – Weight of the
the breeding program? freshly shorn fleece in pounds to the
nearest tenth of a pound.
2. Feed and Labor Resources
• Under what conditions are the Clean Weight – Weight of the
animals being raised? cleaned fleece.
• Are feed and labor resources readily
available or limited? Staple Length – Length of the
unstretched wool fibers in inches to
3. Marketing Program the nearest tenth of an inch,
• How are the sheep marketed? obtained from the mid-side area of
• At what age and/or weight are the the animal.
sheep to be sold?
• For what type or kind of buyer are Grade – Fleece grade is recorded to
the sheep being produced? measure the fineness of a fleece.

Performance Data Utilized In Sheep Expected Progeny Differences for Sheep:


Production
Maternal EPD’s
1. Birth Date – Date an animal was born • Number of Lambs Born – An
(actual). indicator of prolificacy or the genetic
ability of the ewe to produce lambs.
2. Birth Weight – The weight of a lamb • Pounds of Lamb Weaned – An
taken within 24 hours after birth. Heavy indication of reproductive rate,
birth weights are associated with maternal ability of the ewe, lamb
lambing problems (actual, ratio). survivability, and growth.

3. Type of Birth and Type of Rearing – Growth EPD’s


The number of lambs born and raised • Weights at Preweaning, Weaning,
by a ewe. The following designations and Postweaning – These EPD’s
are used: S-single; TW-twin; TR-triplet; correspond to the age-weight
Q-quadruplet (e.g., Type of birth – TW, categories of 30, 60, 90, 120, 180
type of rearing-S). and 365 day weights in lambs.

4. Weaning Weight – A specified weaning Wool EPD’s


weight will be given for one of the age- • Wool EPD’s – are listed for grease
weight categories. Usually, weaning fleece weight, clean fleece weight,
weight would correspond with 30,60, 90, staple length, and fiber diameter.
or 120-day weight (actual, ratio, FEPD).

37
SWINE PERFORMANCE DATA

Production Situations for Swine 4. Litter 21-day Weight – Weight of an


entire litter of pigs, 14 and 28 days
Production situations for swine classes with (actual, ratio, LW21EPD).
performance data take on slightly different
formats than for classes of beef cattle or 5. Sow Productivity Index – Also referred
sheep. In scenarios for swine, a complete to as SPI. Sow productivity index is an
description of the following three important indicator of maternal ability (actual,
factors should be addressed: ratio).

1. Breeding Program 6. Days to 230 Pounds – An indicator of


• What type of breeding program is growth rate, days to 230 is the number
being used? of days required for a hog to reach 230
• How are the selected animals to be pounds. A lower number is more
used in that program? desirable than a higher number (actual,
DAYSEPD)
2. Marketing Program
• How are the hogs marketed? 7. Backfat Thickness – The depth of
• For what type or kind of buyer are backfat listed either as average backfat
the hogs being produced? thickness of tenth-rib fat depth. A lower
number indicates that a hog is leaner
3. Type of Environment than hog with a higher number (actual,
Example: ratio, BFEPD).
Confinement, partial-confinement, or
non-confinement Expected Progeny Differences for Swine:
EPD’s for swine have been developed
Performance Data Utilized in Swine primarily for the economically important
Production traits associated with swine production.

1. Birth Date – Date an animal was born Maternal EPD’s


(actual). • Number born alive (NBA)
• Litter 21-day weight (LW21)
2. Number Born Alive – The number of
pigs in a litter that were born alive Growth and Carcass EPD’s
(actual, NBA EPD) • Days to 230 (DAYS)
• Backfat depth (BF)
3. Number weaned – The number of pigs
in a litter that were weaned at 21 days SELECTION INDEXES;
(actual). • Sow productivity index (SPI)
• General purpose index (GPI)
• Maternal line index (MLI)
• Terminal sire index (TSI)

38
Example Class with Performance Data and Production Scenario: Before you can place
a performance class you must understand three important areas of the scenario and what it
asks for.

YEARLING ANGUS BULLS

Scenario

These bulls will be used in a rotational crossbreeding program utilizing Angus x Hereford x
Simmental. Bulls will be mated to both cows and heifers. The producer wishes to maintain his
mature cow size at 1,150 to 1,250 pounds. The producer is located in Western South Dakota
where feed and labor is adequate. The top 40 percent of his heifer calves will be retained, with
the remainder of the cattle finished in a feedlot and marketed on a grade and yield basis.

Expected Progency Differences

Actual Birth Weaning Yearling


Bull No. Birth Date Birth Wt. Weight Weight Weight Milk
1 02/07 86 1.0 41.0 60.0 22.0
2 02/14 105 8.6 42.0 78.0 5.0
3 02/28 75 -1.0 45.0 75.0 18.0
4 03/04 80 1.5 39.0 57.0 9.5
Breed Avg. 3.5 35.0 55.0 13.0

After analyzing the scenario, you can see that these bulls will be used on both heifers and cows
in a rotational breeding program. The rancher wishes to maintain a cow between the weight of
1,150 and 1,250 pounds. He has adequate feed and labor typical of a Western South Dakota
ranch. His marketing program requires him to keep his own replacements and retain ownership
on the remainder of the calves. Thus, to maximize production, the producer must put emphasis
on maternal traits as well as growth traits.

Based on data, the bulls should be placed 3-1-4-2. Bull 3 best fits the scenario with the most
desirable maternal traits and combined with high growth traits. Bull 2 has the most growth
potential but 2 is the least maternally oriented, having the highest birth and the lowest milk.
Two’s growth will not maintain the desired cow size. The middle pair of bulls, 1 and 4, have very
similar data with 1 having a slight advantage maternally and has slightly higher growth data.
Based on the given data, 3 has the advantages on paper with bulls 1 and 4 having similar and 2
being the least acceptable for the scenario.

39
YORKSHIRE GILTS

Scenario

Rank these gilts as you would use them as replacements in a purebred Yorkshire herd. You
profit mainly from the sale of performance-tested boars and gilts to commercial swine operations,
however, you do sell a few purebred boars as herd sires. All of your hogs and your customers’
hogs are raised in total confinement.

EPDs

No. Birth Date NBA 21-d LW Days to 240 BF


1 3/27 +0.25 +1.92 -1.22 -0.03
2 4/4 +0.32 +3.40 -3.28 -0.01
3 4/8 +0.15 +1.33 -0.94 +0.04
4 4/8 -0.05 -0.39 +2.05 +0.06
Breed Avg. .10 +1.0 -.5 0.00

The scenario asks for the replacement gilts to be replacements in purebred Yorkshire hers. The
producer sells a majority of his offspring to commercial producers who put emphasis on
production traits as well as large scaled, lean breeding stock. An important part of the scenario is
that all hogs are raised in confinement. Thus, emphasis needs to be placed on selecting
structurally sound hogs that are level designed and loose in their make up.

Based on the data alone, gilt 2 excels in performance traits with a negative EPD of -3.28 for
Days to 240 lb. This means her offspring will be the fastest growing, taking the fewest days to
reach 240 lb. She also has a negative EPD for back fat, thus her offspring should also be leaner
than gilts 3 or 4. She also is the most maternally oriented having the highest number born alive
(NBA) EPD as well as the heaviest 21-day litter weight (21-d LW) EPD. Providing she is
structurally sound and is a quality gilt from a visual standpoint, she should make a good
replacement. Gilt 1 ranks second on data having more desired EPDs for NBA, 21-d LW, days to
240, and Back Fat than gilts 3 or 4. Gilt 3 is a more maternally oriented gilt that should have
faster growing offspring that are leaner because she has a negative EPD for Days to 240 lbs as
well as a leaner Back Fat EPD (+.04 vs +.06). Gilt 4 has the least desirable data because she
has the poorest maternal data, being negative for both NBA and 21-d LW, as well as having
positive EPDs for both Days to 240 and Back Fat. The data would indicate that the 4 gilt’s
offspring will be both the heaviest conditioned as well as the slowest growing.

40
SUFFOLK RAM LAMBS

Scenario

Rank these rams as you would use them for stud rams in a purebred Suffolk flock. Feed and
labor resources are more than adequate to maintain the flock of ewes. You profit mainly from
selling rams and ewes to other purebred Suffolk breeders, and a few rams to commercial sheep
producers. You retain your own replacement ewes.

EPDs

Maternal Growth

No. Birth Birth Birth Lambs Pounds 60-day 365-day


Type Rearing Weight Born Weaned Weight Weight
1 TW TW 9.3 -.6 -1.0 +0.5 +5.2
2 S S 12.0 -.2 0.0 +1.3 -2.7
3 TW S 10.2 +.3 +5.0 +2.0 +12.2
4 TR TW 9.6 +.4 +6.1 +3.1 +10.7
Breed Avg +.1 +1.0 +1.0 +2.5

After reviewing the scenario you realize the breeder is a purebred producer who profits from
selling offspring to other producers. The producer has more than adequate amounts of feed to
maintain his sheep. His marketing program requires him to select his own replacements, yet
produce high enough quality offspring to sell to other purebred breeders. To maximize profit in
this scenario, the producer must emphasize a balance of the traits as well as visual appraisal.

When analyzing the data alone, rams 3 and 4 are more maternally oriented, with better growth
data than either ram 1 or 2. Ram 4 best fits the scenario having the best balanced data of the
four. Ram 4 is the most maternally oriented having the highest EPD for Lambs Born and Pounds
Weaned. Ram 4 doesn’t have the highest growth data, but it is more than adequate to meet the
demands of the scenario. Ram 3 has the highest 365-day Weight EPD but cannot match the
maternal strengths of Ram 4.

Rams 1 and 2 both give up performance as well as maternal strength to rams 3 and 4. Ram 1
has higher growth data and maternal data. Two has the lowest growth data. Thus, Ram 2 will
sire the smallest lambs on average of the four rams at 1 year of age. Both Rams 1 and 2 need to
be evaluated for visual traits..

41
LIVE ANIMAL EVALUATION

A livestock producer must possess the proper understanding of live animal and carcass
evaluation in order to remain competitive in today’s changing market place. Furthermore, he
should develop an ability to correlate these factors with the conformation or shape of the live
animal. Ultrasound has proven to be an important tool to aid in selection. However, visual
appraisal has the advantage of being faster and less expensive. Most market animals are bought
and sold on the basis of visual estimation.

BEEF CATTLE GRADING

Economically important traits for beef cattle evaluation that will be discussed are: 1) live weight;
2) dressing percent; 3) muscling; 4) fat thickness; 5) yield grade; and 6) quality grade.

Live Weight – Beef Cattle have a wider range of market weights than other species due to
differences in type and maturity.

Normal Range: 950-1500 lb


Average: 1150 lb

Dressing Percent – Dressing percent is important because it reflects the amount of carcass in
relation to the animal’s live weight. Dressing percent is calculated by using the following
formula:

Hot Carcass Wt. x 100 = Dressing %


Live Animal Wt.

Dressing percent is affected by the fill, finish, muscling, sex, type, and if the animal is
pregnant or not.

Normal Range: 55-67% for steers and heifers


Average: 62% for Choice steers and heifers

Muscling – Muscling can be estimated visually by a number of traits. A good indication of total
carcass muscle is the ribeye. Generally, an average beef steer has approximately 1.1
sq.in. of ribeye area per 100 lb live weight. For example – a 1,000 lb steer should have
an 11.0 sq. in. ribeye.

Normal Range: 10 – 18.0 in2


Average: 12.6 in2 for a 1150 lb steer; 11.6 in2 for a 1150 lb heifer

Fat Thickness – The primary estimate of fatness is fat thickness at the 12th rib. It is used to
assess total fat on the carcass.

Normal Range: .15 - .8 in.


Average: .5 in.

42
Yield Grade – Yield grade is an estimate of percent retail yield of the four primal cuts of beef
(chuck, rib, loin and round) and is also known as cutability. Yield grade identifies the
difference in the yield of lean red meat to waste fat. (Figure 14)

USDA 1 – Most desirable, trim


USDA 2
USDA 3 – Industry average
USDA 4
USDA 5 – Least desirable, excessively fat

Yield grade is based on the four following traits: 1) hot carcass weight
2) fat thickness at the 12th rib
3) percent of kidney, heart, pelvic fat
4) ribeye area

The following is a three-step method for calculating yield grade;

1) A preliminary yield grade is first determined solely on 12th rib fat thickness.

PYG = 2.0 + (2.5 x fat thickness)

Thickness of Fat Preliminary


Over Ribeye, in. Yield Grade
.2 2.5
.4 3.0
.6 3.5
.8 4.0
1.0 4.5
1.2 5.0
1.4 5.5

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2) Adjust the preliminary yield grade using the estimates of ribeye area and carcass weight.
Carcass weight of the animal can be calculated by estimating the animal’s dressing percent
and multiplying it by the lie weight of the animal.

Carcass Wt. Required


(lb) Ribeye Area
500 9.8
550 10.4
600 11.0
650 11.6
700 12.2
750 12.8
800 13.4

Adjust the preliminary yield grade by 0.3 for every 1.0 sq.in. change in ribeye from the size
given for a particular carcass weight. If you estimate an animal to be above average in
muscling, the adjustment is subtracted from preliminary yield grade; if below average in
muscling, then the adjustment is added.

PYG Adj. = (Required REA – Actual REA) x 0.3

3) Estimation of percent kidney, pelvic and heart fat (KPH%) I live steers is extremely difficult to
asses with consistent success. The average KPH% for an average steer is 2.5%. Thus, the
adjustment for every 1.0% change above or below 3.5% is .2 of a yield grade. If internal fat is
above 3.5%, the adjustment factor is added; if below, the adjustment factor is subtracted.

PYG Adj. = (Actual KPH – 3.5) x .02

Example:
Fat Thickness = 0.2 in. Preliminary Yield Grade = 2.5

Ribeye Area = 14.5 sq. in. Adjustment for REA = -.7

(live wt. = 1,130 lb, dressing percent is estimated at


62%, thus carcass wt. = 700 lb)

Percent Internal Fat = 2.5% Adjustment Factor = -.2

Final Yield Grade = 1.6

44
Quality Grade - Quality if important in meat products to insure customer satisfaction. Quality can
be identified as those factors that affect the palatability or tastefulness, flavor and juiciness of
the meat. Quality grading of beef carcasses is determined by two subjectively scored factors
in all cases where color, texture, and firmness of lean are normal. (Figure 15)

Maturity – is the physiological age of the carcass. Maturity is important since the tenderness of
lean muscle decreases as the animal advances in age. It is measured by the degree of
ossification of the vertebrae.

Approximate Age 9-30 30-42 42-54 54-72 ≥72


Maturity A B C D E
Classification Young Cattle Mature Cattle

Marbling – The amount of fat within the muscle is known as marbling or intramuscular fat. The
marbling is scored in the ribeye muscle at the 12th rib. There are nine degrees of marbling
and they are listed from the least amount to the highest.

1. Practically Devoid 6. Moderate


2. Traces 7. Slightly Abundant
3. Slight 8. Moderately Abundant
4. Small 9. Abundant
5. Modest

Maturity and marbling are evaluated and combined to determine the final quality grade. These
eight quality grades of beef are shown below.

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46
47
SWINE GRADING

As in beef, economically important carcass percent muscle equation. Loin eye area
and live traits are considered in swine and is measured between the 10th and 11th
are as follows: 1) live weight; 2) dressing ribs on pork carcasses and is highly
percent; 3) fatness; 4) carcass length; 5) correlated to carcass muscle.
muscling; 6) USDA grade; and 7) percent
muscle. Normal Range: 3.5 – 7.0 in2
Average: 4.8 in2
Live Weight – Market hogs do not vary in
live weight as much as beef cattle and USDA Grade – USDA grade is determined
can be subjectively estimated with more based on quality indicating
accuracy. characteristics of the lean and expected
yield of the four lean cuts (ham, loin,
Normal Range: 190-270 lb picnic shoulder and Boston butt). The
Average: 245 lb following equation is used to estimate
the grade of barrow or gilt carcasses:
Dressing Percent – Dressing percent is
highest of the tree meat animal species USDA Grade = (4.0 x Last Rib Backfat
due to the fact that pigs are only Thickness, in) – (1.0 x muscle score)
monogastrics. Dressing percent of
market hogs with adequate condition The muscle scores in this equation are: thin
should grade choice. = 1.0; average = 2.0; and thick = 3.0.
Exceptions to this equation are that
Normal Range: 68-77% carcasses with thin muscling cannot grade
Average: 72% U.S. No. 1 regardless of last rib fat depth
(LRFD) and carcasses with 1.75 in. or more
Fat Depth – Last rib rat depth is measured of LRFD cannot be graded as U.S. No. 3
at the last rib, and is the primary factor regardless of muscling. Figure 16 depicts
in determining carcass grade. Tenth rib USDA Grades for Swine.
fat is measured between the 10th and
the 11th and is also used in calculating Percent Muscle – A more accurate and
percent muscle. precise method Is assessing differences
in carcass yield of lean red meat. The
Muscling – The degree of muscling of a hog factors used to predict percent muscle
is considered when grading market hogs include hot carcass weight (HCW), loin
and pork carcasses. Three degrees of eye area (LEA), and tenth rib fat depth
pork carcass muscling are recognized in (10RFD). The following is an equation
the pork grading standards shown in used to estimate pounds of muscle
Figure 18. containing 5% fat:

Muscle Score #1 – Thin (Inferior) Lb of muscle containing 5% fat =


Muscle Score #2 – Average 7.231 + (.437 x HCW) + (3.877 + LEA) –
Muscle Score #3 – Thick (Superior) (18.746 x 10RFT)

Loin eye area is also another estimate Percent muscle can than be calculated as
of carcass muscle and is used in the follows:

% muscle = Pounds of muscle x 100


Hot carcass weight

48
49
LAMB GRADING

Lamb grading, much like beef grading, requires seven carcass traits to be evaluated; 1) live
weight; 2) dressing percent; 3) fat thickness; 4) muscling; 5) ribeye area; 6) yield grade; and 7)
quality grade.

Live Weight - Lambs are normally slaughtered from 100 – 140 pounds depending on market
conditions as well as breed of the lamb.

Normal Range: 90 – 150 lb


Average: 125 lb

Dressing Percent – Because lambs are finished at lighter weights and because they are
ruminants with a greater proportion of their live weight in the form of offal, dressing percent is
affected by four main factors in lambs; 1) finish; 2) fill; 3) fleece; and 4) muscling.

Normal Range: 45 – 57%


Average: 52% shorn lambs
50% unshorn lambs

Fat Thickness – Fat thickness is used to calculate yield grade and is taken over the ribeye
muscle at the 12th rib. Adjusted fat thickness is the average of two measurements taken over
the ribeye on each side of the carcass.

Normal Range: .05 - .5 in.


Average: .25 in.

Yield Grade – Yield grade in lambs is used to estimate the yield of boneless, closely trimmed
retail cuts from the leg, loin, rack and shoulder. The only factor used to estimate yield grade
is fat thickness at the 12th rib. The formula for yield grade is as follows:

Yield Grade = .4+


(10 x adjusted fat thickness in inches)

Muscling – Muscling does not contribute to calculating yield grade, but it does contribute to
overall cutability of the carcass. Ribeye and leg conformation score are measures that
indicate muscling. Ribeye area is a cross section of the longissimus dorsi muscle and is
measured between the 12th and 13th rib.

Normal Range: 1.5 – 3.6 in2


Average: 2.6 in.2

Quality Grade – Quality grades in lambs are based on 1) maturity score; 2) flank streakings; and
3) conformation score. Grades of lambs are as follows (Prime, Choice, Good, Utility, and
Cull).

Maturity of lambs is based on the age of the lamb and is measured by the presence or
absence of a break joint as well as the color and texture of the lean. To be classified as
lamb, a carcass must have at least one break joint. Flank streaking is dependent on the
overall degree of carcass finish. Conformation is used to estimate degree of adequate
muscling in a carcass.

In estimating quality grade of lambs, all three factors are used. It should be kept in mind that
approximately 98% of all lambs grade Choice or above with 2% grading Good in young
lambs.

50
GLOSSARY

Accuracy (Reasons) - In a livestock judging contest, the contestant’s ability to describe correctly
the differences among animals in a class.

Actual Data - The actual records of the individual. For example, an Angus bull calf might have a
600 lb weaning weight, Dorset ewe might have a 90 lb weight at 90 days, or a Hampshire
boar might have a loin-muscle area of 6.55 square inches.

Adaptability - The ability of an animal to adapt to changes in the environment in which it lives.

Age-weight Categories (Sheep) - Specific ages at which an animal’s weight should be taken
and recorded for evaluation of performance records and calculation of the appropriate
FEPDs.

Backfat Thickness (Swine) - The depth of backfat, listed as either average, or as last-rib backfat
thickness or tenth-rib fat depth. A lower number indicates that a hog is leaner than a hog
with a higher number.

Barrow (Swine) - A castrated male; castrated boar pig.

Birth Date - Date an animal was born.

Birth Weight - The weight of an animal taken at birth. Heavy birth weights are associated with
calving problems in beef cattle, lambing problems in sheep, and farrowing problems in
swine. Heavier weights also tend to be associated with greater survival rates.

Boar (Swine) – An intact male; not castrated; a male capable of breeding females.

Bovine (Beef Cattle) - Scientific name for domestic beef and dairy cattle.

Breed Character - Particular characteristics of separate breeds that distinguish animals among
the various breeds (e.g. color, horns, ear set, wool type).

Breed Class - Any set of categories that classify breeds according to appearance or function.

Breeding Animal - An animal kept for the purpose of breeding, as opposed to a market animal.

Bull (Beef Cattle) - An intact male; not castrated; a male capable of breeding females.

Calf (Beef Cattle) - An animal less than one year of age.

Calving Ease (Beef Cattle) – the ability of a heifer or cow to deliver a calf without difficulty.

Carcass – The muscle, bone, and fat associated with the slaughter of an animal after the
removal of the head, hide, and viscera (internal organs).

Carcass Length (Swine) - The linear measurement from the anterior of the first rib to the anterior
of the aitch bone (hipbone).

Carcass Quality - The observed properties of a carcass that may directly or indirectly influence
the palatability characteristics of the edible meat.

Conformation - The overall appearance of an animal or composition of a carcass.

Cow (Beef Cattle) - A female that has had a calf.

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Cutability - The percentage of boneless, closely trimmed, retail cuts of a carcass.

Dam - The female parent of an animal.

Days to 230 (Swine) - An indicator of growth rate; days to 230 is the number of days required for
a hog to reach 230 pounds. A lower number is more desirable than a higher number.

Delivery (Reasons) - The manner with which a livestock judging contestant presents his or her
reasons.

Distance (Reasons) - how far you stand from the judge. Depending on our voice and stature,
the distance you stand from the judge will vary. Six to 10 feed is generally adequate.

Dressing Percentage - The proportion of carcass weight relative to live weight of an animal;
carcass weight divided by live weight.

Early Maturing - An animal or breed that typically reaches puberty and the ability to reproduce at
an earlier age than other animals of that breed or species.

Estimated Breeding Value (Beef Cattle) - An estimated breeding value (EBV) is similar to a
ratio, but it accounts for all of the relationships in a pedigree and predicts how the progeny
or offspring of a particular animal should perform in relation to the average for a group of
animals. This value is an indication of an animal’s expect performance due to genetics.
The value can be used to compare performance of animals within a group.

Ewe (Sheep) - A female sheep of any age.

Expected Progeny Difference - An Expected Progeny Difference (EPD) takes into account the
relationships in a pedigree and predicts how progeny or offspring of a particular animal
should perform relative to animals from an average parent.

Fat Depth Tenth-rib (swine)- The linear measurement of fat depth taken at the tenth rib and at a
position that is three-fourths the length of the loineye.

Fat Thickness (Sheep, Beef Cattle) - The typical linear measurement of fat thickness taken over
the ribeye.

Feed Efficiency – The calculated measurement of conversion of feed to body weight gain;
pounds of feed divided by pounds of body weight gain.

Fertility – The associated characteristics of reproduction.

Fleece (Sheep) – The coat of wool covering a sheep.

Fleece Clean Weight (Sheep) – The weight, in pounds, of a fleece that has been washed
appropriately.

Fleece Grade (Sheep) – The classification system used to describe grease wool. Three systems
are used: the blood or American system, the numerical or English system, and the metric
system.

Fleece Grease Weight (Sheep) – The weight, in pounds, of a freshly-shorn fleece that has not
been washed or scoured.

Fleece Staple Length (Sheep) – The length, in inches, of a lock of shorn wool.

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Fleece Type (Sheep) - A classification system to group sheep according to wool quality. Fleece
type or wool type is considered as either fine, medium, long, or crossbred and describes the
type of wool fiber characteristic of the breed.

Flock EPD (Sheep) - These EPDs are very similar to those used by the beef cattle industry to
predict progeny performance of the animal. The EPDs can be listed as such, or may take
the form of Flock Expected Progeny Differences (FEPD) for sheep, and presently can be
used only within a flock.

Frame Score (Beef Cattle) – A numerical value associated with height at the hip in inches for a
particular age.

General Purpose Index (Swine) – Ranks hogs on both growth and maternal traits and is well-
suited for use in a rotational crossbreeding system.

Gilt (Swine) - A female that has not had a litter of pigs.

Growth Rate - Typically, the pounds of body weight gained during a specified period of time
(e.g., average daily gain).

Hardiness – The ability of an animal to withstand the environment.

Heifer (Beef Cattle) – A female that has not had a calf.

Hip Height (Beef Cattle) - Height at the hip in inches.

Inflection (Reasons) - Voice inflection is one of the most important items in your delivery of oral
reasons. Emphasis should be placed on the words that describe the important differences
among animals and the important characteristics of each animal.

KPH Fat Percentage (Beef Cattle) - The amount of fat contained in the regions of the kidney,
pelvis, and heart relative to the carcass weight.

Lamb (Sheep) – Any sheep less than one year of age.

Late Maturing - An animal or breed that typically reaches puberty and the ability to reproduce at
a later age than other animals of that breed or species.

Leg Score (Sheep) - The subjective characteristic indicative of the total volume of muscle in the
leg of a lamb. Muscle volume in the leg is reflective of total carcass muscle.

Litter Size (Swine) - The number of pigs in a litter.

Litter Weight at 21 Days (Swine) – Weight of an entire litter of pigs between 14 and 28 days of
age and adjusted to a constant age of 21 days.

Loineye Area (Swine) – The surface area of the Longissimus dorsi muscle at the tenth rib of a
pork carcass.

Market Animal - Any young animal intended for slaughter purposes.

Maternal - Referring to the dam's side of the pedigree.

Maternal Line Index (Swine) – Ranks hogs by both growth traits and maternal traits, with
emphasis on the maternal EPDs.

Mature Cow Weight (Beef) – Average weight of a group of cows from six to ten years of age.

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Milking Ability – The ability of a female to produce milk. Typically, larger quantifies of milk result
in heavier offspring at weaning.

Number Born Alive (Swine) – The actual number of pigs in a litter that were born alive.

Number Weaned (Swine) – The number of pigs in a litter that were weaned. The standard
weaning age for swine is 21 days.

Percent Muscle (Swine) - The amount of lean meat contained in the carcass of a pig relative to
the carcass weight.

Performance Data and Records - Objective numerical indexes of economically important traits
associated with livestock production.

Pigment (Beef Cattle or Sheep) – The characteristic color found around the eyes of certain
breeds of beef cattle.

Polled (Beef Cattle) – Natural trait of not having horns or the genetic ability to develop horns.

Post-weaning – After weaning.

Pre-weaning – Before weaning.

Presentation (Reasons) - The manner in which oral reasons are spoken to an official judge.

Production Situation – A description of particular limitations or goals of a breeding program that


provides guidance for selection decisions involving the use of performance records
(sometimes called scenario).

Progeny - All of the offspring from a particular parent animal.

Puberty - The age at which an animal is capable of reproducing.

Quality Grade – Those factors associated with palatability characteristics of the lean, edible
portion of meat, including color, texture, firmness, marbling, and age.

Ram (Sheep) – An intact male; not castrated; a male capable of breeding females.

Ratio – To rank animals within the same herd or flock we generally use a ratio. A ratio consists
of a number, typically around 100 that compares each animal to the other animals in a
particular group. Any number less than 100 indicates that the animal’s performance was
inferior to or less desirable than the average of the group; whereas, any number greater
than 100 indicates that the animal’s performance record was superior to or more desirable
than the average of the group.

Ribeye Area (Beef Cattle, Sheep) – The surface area of the Longissimus dorsi muscle between
the twelfth and thirteenth rib of a beef or lamb carcass.

Scrotal Circumference (Beef Cattle, Sheep) - The distance around the testicles in the scrotum
of a bull or ram in centimeters, usually adjusted to 365 days of age. A greater scrotal
circumference indicates that a male should have the capacity to produce greater numbers of
sperm, and his progeny should reach puberty at earlier ages.

Sire – The male parent of an animal.

Sow (Swine) – A female that has had a litter pigs.

54
Sow Productivity Index (Swine) – Also referred to as SPI. Sow productivity index is an
indicator of maternal ability, and combines the number of pigs born alive and 21-day litter
weaning weights into an index.

Steer (Beef Cattle) – A castrated male; a castrated bull.

Terminal Sire – A breeding male that is used to generate market animals; typically having high
growth rate and desirable carcass characteristics.

Terminal Sire Index (Swine) – Ranks hogs on DAYSEPD and BFEPD only, and does not include
any maternal information.

Type of Birth (Sheep) – The number of lambs born to a ewe. The following designations are
used: S-single, TW-twin, TR-triplet, and Q-quadruplet.

Type of Rearing (Sheep) – The number of lambs raised by a ewe. The following designations
are used S-single, TW-twin, TR-triplet, and Q-quadruplet.

Underline (Swine) – The teats or nipples on the underside or belly of a pig.

Weaning – The time when young animals are removed from their mothers and forced to give up
their dam’s milk as a source of nutrients.

Weaning Weight – The weight of an animal at weaning or at a standard weaning age. Adjusted
weaning weight is calculated for one of the standard weaning ages listed, and the standard
age is listed also. The weight of a calf taken from 160 to 250 days of age and then adjusted
to a constant age of 205 days. Standard weaning ages for lambs are 45, 60, 90, and 120
days. The standard weaning age for swine is 21 days.

Wether (Sheep) – A castrated male sheep; a castrated ram.

Yearling – An animal that is more than one year of age, but not more than two years of age.

Yearling Weight – The weight of an animal taken after 330 days of age and adjusted to a
constant age of 365 days.

Yield Grade (Beef Cattle, Sheep) – The numerical designation (1-5) for the percentage of
boneless, closely trimmed, retail cuts obtained from a carcass.

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