Been pondering and stewing on judges that comment on the size of cattle example theybsay they are the most balanced no hokes animal but have to use a big structarly unsound animal due to bigger frame. At what point do we get over the fact that most of the show cattle have to become momma cows after there pampered show life. How many 1800 pound yearling heifers are running around pastures.
Size of show cattle vs working cattle
- Thread starter ty378
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I do not pay attention to show cattle any more except that my grand daughter showed a heifer in 4H this year. I heard she was a little small to compete at the state fair even though the judge gave her a purple. I just smiled and took that as a complement. There is plenty of research about cattle size that points to the benefits of moderate cattle. The show ring has a record of being wrong.ty378 said:
aj
Well-known member
There are all kinds of environmental situations across the world that maybe all types are needed. I think some big cows can survive a lot but under a saw dust and sand nutritional setting I think the bigger cows would flush out of production sooner.......less longevity. I think corn price is a big deal also.......2 dollar corn vs. 6 dollar corn. Supplement prices are big inputs. The cow that can produce on salt, mineral, air, water and grass is the main things. The commercial guys will figure this out maybe just through natural selection in their herds.
cowboy_nyk
Well-known member
I agree with you to an extent. But you have to remember that a mature cow that would top out at 1200lbs under range conditions would still be a 1700lb plus cow if she was fed the way show calves are their entire life. If you add in the variations in environment you could easily see show cattle that are pushing 2000lbs as mature animals that still equate to a commercially relevant animal if you were to subtract the feed and pampering. It's very easy to change an animal by 500lbs if they are fed throughout their development.
aj
Well-known member
I wonder what size those small mini herfords end up being? I always wondered if there would be an up side to smaller cattle as far as fitting one of them in a freezer........fitting into smaller equipment, fencing, and what not.
