In the exceptionally fine teaching aid, important evaluative criteria for market steers are demonstrated.
Muscling: illustrated using steers and special effects.
Correctness of Finish: contrasts two steers while discussing:
- 12th rib
- brisket
- flank
- cod
- pin area
- bone area
Balance: at rest and in motion, structural correctness demonstrated using steers with:
- various defects-sickle hocked
- straight shouldered
- toed-out
- straightness of knee
- post legged
- restricted stride
- steep/short pastern
- stiff in hock
- knock kneed
- splay footed
- bow legged
- small outside toe
- cow hocked
- coarse open shoulder
Correctness of Weight: covers :
- substance
- acceptability for the industry
- ideal weight
- dressing percent
A practice class of market steers is placed by a national champion collegiate livestock judging team member (includes an outstanding set of oral reasons); then, official placings, cuts and reasons are presented.
Periodic quizzes help students remember the information.
The goal of Livestock Judging is to introduce the purpose of evaluation and the desired phenotypic trails of the ideal market steer.
Objectives covered are:
- to identify and list the major factors considered in market steer evaluation
- to establish the ideal modern market steer, identifying the goals important for consumer preference
- to evaluate and defend the placing of a market steer
to see books of related interest
