My cows and bull carry extra condition. Not all are 8. Probably 2 are 8. The rest run from 6 to 7. The bull I used for the last two calf crops was Casper (Angus 17061926). I sold him to slaughter last October so no more calves will be from him. He did not produce blocky, muscular calves. They are lanky and leggy. The current bull along with the AI program is going to produce different results. I see that in Linus.
Nevertheless, Casper's calves on average wean at about 550 to 770 pounds at about 6 months (some weaned at 5 months, a few weaned at 7 months). They average 670. I know I can put more of that condition into future calves.
One thing that I have wondered about. The breeding on most of my cows goes back to a Rocking P who puts a lot of cattle on much less grass than I do. When I look at the Rocking P cattle in their pastures, they do not carry the condition that mine do. It is simple to see why. Their pastures are eaten short. I have talked to Larry Phillips. I think his philosophy is different from his sons, Chan and Keith. Larry has told me he has pastured cows all winter and fed hay only when the weather conditions dictated. Over his lifetime of breeding, no doubt he has selected for the characteristic of doing well on minimum pasture and input.
Another thought I have had. I have a rigid vaccination and parasite control regimen. My cows do not get stressed by being sick or being parasitized.
Here is an intangible. It is an interesting factor. My cows get a lot of care and attention. They get handled, groomed, and treated well. I don't think this is a big factor but it sure makes them look better. Three people who know infinitely more than I do about cattle have commented that they do not see cattle with the "demeanor" my cows have. My vet, Darin Stansfield said, "I don't know what you do but I do not see cows this content looking anywhere I go. Shannon Ferrell, UK Extension Agent, BS in animal science, and part owner of Double Diamond said "Your cows look like they all have smiles on their faces". Shannon said at her last visit, "You have the best looking herd of cattle in the county". Keith Phillips, co-owner of Rocking P tells me everytime he delivers one that the cows are looking good.