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Evaluating Soundness/Correctness
 Shoulders
Shoulder set and shape control the degree of
motion a heifer has out of her front end. The
correct angle to the shoulder allows for the flexibility
a heifer needs. The picture on the left shows
a shoulder that is too straight, and gives the
appearance of the shoulder being pushed into the
neck. This results in the front leg coming out
further back than desired and upsets the balance
of weight on each leg. A straight shoulder will
also limit length of stride, especially the degree
the leg can move forward. The picture on the right
shows a heifer that is too coarse through the
shoulder.
This picture is a good example of a heifer with
nice set and smoothness to her shoulder. An easy
way to determine correct shoulder angle is to
view cattle on the move with special attention
to length of stride. When heifers are on the move,
the rear foot should step into the track made
by the front foot.
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