JHH":4tk73o6g said:
How can you tell? Cant see his pasterns.
Inasmuch as I can't see his pasterns, I decline to judge him on a "Single Trait Selection" factor of "Pasterns ONLY!!" The primary indication that his pasterns are
possibly more
functionally correct than your old bull is evidenced by the fact that your "AI" bull is NOT cow hocked or sickle hocked. Also your old bull stands slightly "rump-humped" - indicating that his hind foot placement is "set under" his body, he is slightly 'post-legged' - necessitated by the fact that his feet hurt, his pasterns are swollen, and his feet "flare" outward slightly, and his rear toes are spread apart. If he were human he would need arch supports, or a cane in a few weeks!
By analyzing your AI bull from a "Multiple Trait Selection" protocol perspective, the AI bull indicates more desirable characteristics from the following points of view:
1- More level loin and top line overall.
2- More balanced body length and spring of rib -- indicates greater internal capacity, which carrys over to replacement heifers and Terminal Feedlot feed efficiency factors.
3- Considerable improvement in hind quarters which are thicker and carries down deeper to the gaskins.
4- He demonstrates greater masculinity, even for his younger age, which is an indication of Fertility in his daughters and THEIR sons.
5- Rear leg stance is wider
6- He is NOT cow-hocked, which your old bull does manifest that trait.
7- He is more
balanced from front to rear.
8- He is deeper in the rear flank, presenting a more level underline.
Because we dont have a "square-on" rear view picture, it is difficult to ascertain several other characteristics, such as overall equal width and thickness from front to rear.
But . . . I have NO idea about his EPD's. His Molecular Value Predictions, which is is really not cogent in your particular requirements, is not of justifiable financial value at this point.
In My Humble Opinion, you would have been dollars and time ahead to have bred your five heifers to this AI bull, and shipped the old boy without having to contend with his progeny for however long you plan to keep them.
The AI bull is a better bull!
DOC HARRIS