The Bagpipe - American Highland Cattle Association

Bowed Legs, Base Narrow, etc.
It should be obvious from the previous sections that the following defects are often inter-related.
1.On the hind limb; bowed hocks, base narrow stance and rolled or corkscrew outside claws.
2.On the front limb; bowed legs, base narrow stance, pigeon-toed and “rolling” at the walk; such animals may also open
up at the elbows.
The Head
Different breeds have different head characteristics that are primarily aesthetic and not necessarily related to
function. However, certain defects of the eyes and the jaw can be related to function.
The Eyes
Pigmentation of the eyelid and the skin around the eye is a desirable trait because research has indicated that
cattle with no pigmentation are more predisposed to cancer eye. Pigmentation is a moderately heritable trait (0.3 to
0.4) and will respond to selection.
In regions where there is a great deal of sunlight and a high incidence of cancer eye, there is a functional advantage
for animals who exhibit a strong orbital ridge or eyebrow (“hooded eye”), protecting the eye against ultraviolet rays.
Cattle with extremely open eyes (“pop eyes”) are more susceptible to eye problems than those with a hooded eye.
The Jaw
It is considered important for cattle that must forage in extensive range country to have a strong, deep jaw. Weakjawed
cattle are generally discriminated against.
Perhaps more importantly, the upper and lower jaws should be of equal length so that the incisor teeth in the lower
jaw squarely meet the dental pad in the upper jaw. If not, foraging ability may be reduced. The most common defect of
this type is “parrot mouth”, whereby the upper jaw is longer (over-shot) than the lower jaw.
The Sheath and Prepuce
An extremely heavy, funnel-shaped sheath and prepuce is a detriment to bulls that have a lot of ground to cover in
rough country. Obviously, this is more likely to be a problem for those breeds with Brahman influence. Seedstock
producers in these breeds are placing strong selection pressure against sheath problems.
The Mammary System
The two most common problems observed in the mammary system of beef cows are: (1) over-sized and/or balloon
teats; and (2) weak, pendulous udders. Numerous research studies have indicated that these traits are low to
moderately heritable (0.2 to 0.3). Therefore, over time, they will respond to selection.
The American Polled Hereford Association (Gibb, 1984) has adopted the udder scoring system based on teat size
and udder suspension. AHCA has also adopted these guidelines.
Too Much Angulation Correct Angulation Not Enough Angulation - Stilted
Degrees of Angulation of Joints in the Bovine Skeleton
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