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Evaluating Soundness and Structural Correctness
Because market steers are terminal and
will not be retained for a long time within the
herd, some would argue that don't need to be sound.
However, a lack of soundness will result in limited
trips to feed and water and decreased growth. So
soundness and structural correctness is important
in market steers. Market steers that are sound and
structural correct will have flexible, clean, flat
joints, long powerful strides, strong pasterns,
good set to their hocks and knees, and big feet
that sit flatly on the ground. They will also have
long, straight top lines and long, level rumps.
This picture illustrates an animal that sound
and structurally correct. Not the strong pasterns,
the good set to the knee and hock, and the big,
square feet.
| Poor Structure |
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| Good Structure |
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The top picture shows a steer that is weak topped
and short and steep in its rump (poor structure).
The bottom picture is a good example of a steer
that is long and straight in its strong top line,
and long and level in its rump.
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