Speckle Park International magazine - 2022 edition
Youth
Key Considerations for Cattle Assesment By Alastair Rayner, principal, Rayner Ag
Alastair Rayner
I assess cattle for three key attributes. The first is they must be structurally sound. When I talk about structure I am referring to the skeletal system of the animal, as well as other physical traits. So first off, I look at the way the animal walks. If an animal can place its feet in line with each other with no overstepping by the hind feet, then I start to feel the structure of the legs, hips and shoulders are acceptable. I then look at how the animal stands, and the angle of the shoulders, the way it stands with its hind feet and legs in a normal standing position. It’s then I have a chance to decide if the animal is standing too low on its hind feet, or too high. Both are a result of legs that are either curved or too straight, and it’s something I may not have noticed when I was watching it walk. I also want to see if the hocks are bowed outwards or inwards. What I really want to determine is how sound is the animal’s feet legs and shoulders? Can it walk a long distance each day to graze and water, and will it be able to carry the weight of its body without causing it to have sore joints that could lead to swelling, lameness or arthritis?
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These traits are important for the longevity of animals within your herd and contribute directly to your overall profitability. If you have cows that can conceive, calve and wean a calf every year that is the first part of profit. The second is to have cows that can do this up to 10-years-old. As part of my structural assessment for females, I look closely at teats and the udder to make sure the quarters are all even and the teats are well shaped to support a calf sucking. I also want to see all four teats can be used and not left un-milked as this can contribute to mastitis, which is painful for the cow and will result in lower productivity. With both bulls and females, I look at eyes and mouths. You need to check there are no injuries or inflammations around their eyes. Teeth need to be sound. Additionally, with bulls consider the sheath and testicles. If possible, put him in the crush and with the et gate shut, so you can’t be kicked. Check both testicles and make sure there are no swelling or unusual bumps, or the testes are not soft and spongy. If they are, your bull may be sub-fertile, and you should avoid using him. Look at his sheath and penis and make sure there is no swelling, unusual appearances, or damage. Again, if there is, your bull may not want to join cows, and he shouldn’t be used.
When I’m happy with structure I look for the traits that add to productivity and profitability. We are breeding cattle to produce red meat so I will always select for muscle. I look at the shape of the animals, the width, depth and length of each animal to determine its overall muscle volume. You can have muscle in females, and it won’t reduce fertility, so I select for it. I also think about the maturity pattern and frame size. Large frame later maturity females will naturally require more feed to achieve their body requirements for maintenance, let alone for reproduction and growth. Remember you can only grow so much pasture or put out so many supplements. If you want your animals to do well, you need to feed them properly. Large frame later maturity animals may mean you run less numbers in your herd, and so may impact on the total number of kilograms of beef your produce each year. Whenever I assess cattle, temperament is my other key trait. I like cattle to have a quiet temperament. Aggressive or overly excitable cattle are both dangerous and less productive due to the impact temperament has on eating quality. Ideally, my preferred animals are those that are structurally sound, well grown, well-muscled females. I prefer them to be moderate maturity and of a quiet temperament.
