As with judging any individual, improvements can always be suggested, but because neither bull has optimal picture(s) by which to ACCURATELY evaluate their characteristics it is an assumption at best, but Bull #2 has a more desirable general Phenotype, overall, than Bull #1 - Hindquarters, spring of rib, heart girth, and probably thickness. Other less obvious traits are not so critical insofar as Sire selection would be concerned for a small, progressing herd. The Dams both seem to be good momma's, however I would prefer the #1 if I had my choice of the two. I assume that the Sire of BOTH bulls is the same bull!? Their head and neck features seem identical, and I credit the sire for those characteristics. No. 1 bull demonstrates a larger capacity and more rumen space, which bodes well for producing Replacement heifers AND Terminal calf production, but I still would select bull #2. This is a terrific choice of two calves for comparison of characteristics and Judging class! Makes one think twice or three times before jumping to conclusions in selection decisions!
Give both these calves another year of growth and they probably will open your eyes pretty wide, but we are judging them NOW, so this is what I see at the present time.
DOC HARRIS
