cattletalk
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- Oct 8, 2022
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Who is he? What does he look like on paper?can anyone chime in on why this program is so popular? This is the lot 1 bull at the cattleman's cut in Nebraska. just don't see anything special about it or the expensive trademark bull they sold.
I've seen better phenotypical bulls and worse.Sorry - but who cares what he looks like on paper - IF - he doesn't pass visual inspection?
For lack of better terms, his back end looks like it outgrew his front end. I like a bull, or cow for that matter, that is pretty straight across the topline. But as mentioned, when that carcass is on the rail you will never know.can anyone chime in on why this program is so popular? This is the lot 1 bull at the cattleman's cut in Nebraska. just don't see anything special about it or the expensive trademark bull they sold.
Need guts to eat and need to eat to grow.The sway backed, beer belly bulls have never impressed me
I agree you don't need phenotype for terminal cross - but, you do need the right SHAPE for calving efficiency. This bull is pinched in the heart girth and "appears" to be big shouldered. I won't touch any bull with big shoulders.Stirring the pot maybe. Some people get hung up on numbers for sure. But do some also put too much emphasis on looks? For sure some phenotype issues will affect longevity and productivity and function. Those are very important. But do "looks" add additional economic value once those basic functional issues are met? Pounds, yield, grade, feed efficiency or "looks". I guess there is certainly a minimum acceptable floor on those things, but is the "picture perfect look" necessary to maximize profit and provide a good consumer experience?
Then could think about the controversial idea of a terminal bull. A bull used to produce feedlot cattle only - no replacements kept, no second generation progeny. Bull needs to last a few years, settle cows and produce high growth, high yield, high grading, efficient calves. Even if he is ugly and does not meet the ideal appearance criteria.
What makes a good bull or cow? I think there is an emotional attachment to cattle that usually does not happen with chicken or pork production. The chicken grower's main concern is the number on the check vs his expense. Certainly not phenotype of the chickens.
If they don't have good feet and legs to travel they get left in the pen. No matter how good the rest of the bull is.I agree you don't need phenotype for terminal cross - but, you do need the right SHAPE for calving efficiency. This bull is pinched in the heart girth and "appears" to be big shouldered. I won't touch any bull with big shoulders.
I will stick to my opinion that a bull has to pass phenotype BEFORE you look at numbers. Smooth shoulders, structurally correct, good feet. Maybe you don't care if all his offspring has bad feet, but the bull himself has to hold up to a couple years use.
Too many breeders are looking at numbers FIRST.
I like an animal that looks good as much as the next guy but what if you had animals that outperformed in every way possible they were just ugly.Sorry - but who cares what he looks like on paper - IF - he doesn't pass visual inspection?
You're not wrong. They have to be sound.I agree you don't need phenotype for terminal cross - but, you do need the right SHAPE for calving efficiency. This bull is pinched in the heart girth and "appears" to be big shouldered. I won't touch any bull with big shoulders.
I will stick to my opinion that a bull has to pass phenotype BEFORE you look at numbers. Smooth shoulders, structurally correct, good feet. Maybe you don't care if all his offspring has bad feet, but the bull himself has to hold up to a couple years use.
Too many breeders are looking at numbers FIRST.
Look how deep sided he is. There isn't any weight between the belly and the ground and soup bones have lower value than rib or flank meat. It has been proven that cattle that can eat more grow faster.I really do understand what you are saying. But what percentage of this bulls weight is not edibleView attachment 40987
That would be my Woody! He's not a "front pasture" bull at all. But dang, he throws great calves that are surprisingly pretty (a lot of which I've kept) and he's just so easy, super docile. Gotta give mama credit for making up what he lacks in looks.I like an animal that looks good as much as the next guy but what if you had animals that outperformed in every way possible they were just ugly.