Help me understand $EN and MH

[Lrj505]

I understand some cattle are to tall and require to much energy. What's to tall and or to much energy ? How much difference are we talking pounds of feed and inches ? Thanks.

 

[LCBulls]

$EN is the total value in dollars expected to feed their progeny for a whole season. So a +20 $EN vs a -20 $EN would expect to feed $40 per animal. (Obviously these would be higher or lower depending on the type of forage or type of feed you are feeding)

MH is the expected hip height measurement in inches.

 

[Son of Butch]

I understand some cattle are too tall and require too much energy. What's too tall?

A good question, but also complicated by opinions.
First we need to define a convenient set of parameters.
MH is defined as a cow's height at hip at 6 yrs of age. Current breed average at age 6 is 52.75" tall
ranging from 44.5" to 63" tall.

I prefer to stay within the 50" to 54" range.
But to answer your question, it's safe to say at least 94% will agree 59" is too tall.

What's too much energy?
Any bite of food taken by a cow that is over BCS of 7.

 

[hornedfrogbbq]

We don't believe we can carry huge cattle down here in Texas. We just don't grow the groceries like the folks in NE and MT do. We could run bigger cattle but fewer head. We think the optimum profitability for us is in a 1200lb female that is about 50-52in. Moderate frame.