Even though I raise Angus, I cannot help but like these cattle along with the Piedmontese.
We had a freezer full of Piedmontese, and I can't say that I have bought anything from the store better, ribeyes and all, not knocking any other breed.
These breeds are born small, and then the gene for the muscling kicks in after birth. They are such easy keepers and they look as though they have been grained heavily since they could eat solids. This kind of gene only makes sense when thinking what you put in your pocket. The muscling is very eye appealing and a good start on getting rid of the "funnel butt."
The buyer controls what we raise, so we supply what brings the most money.
This is a really long bull. I have noticed the really long bulls want to stand with their backs dropped. Traveler 004, Pfred, EXT bred bulls, Emblazon, GAR Retail Product and so many more that they can't be listed. Most of these bulls I found, I would definitely breed cows to. Then there are a lot that have a straight back and then there are the fuzzy pictures that have been doctored up. Mostly the fuzzy pictures in the semen catalog like they can't afford a good picture. Some of the good pictures, a line is detected.
Do you want a dipped back with pounds or do you want a straight back with a funnel butt and less desireable numbers?
There is always a trade off, and can go with any combination of things.
We have a really long bull that reminds me of a Dashund, short legs etc...., but so very heavy and stout. When he walks he carries his back straight, but has a tendency to let his back drop if he stands a certain way. I wish he wouldn't do that.
It doesn't look good for the show ring,(not planning on showing him) and it is supposed to be a weakness. If he passes his muscling, numbers, and weight, then he can stand anyway he wants to.
I definitely would choose a straight backed bull if I had to choose between two bulls of equal quality since I like the looks, and it is a desired trait. But I can't say that I have actually heard of anyone keeping a bull so long that his back broke.
I have heard of large bulls getting young heifers and old cows down by hurting their backs.
The long bulls with the dropped backs seem to be selling a lot of semen. Length gives more meat and ease of carrying calves and calving. The pounds they put on their offspring and the dollars they put in the owners pocket, makes the dip in the back less noticable.
Chuckie