E/LMS 12601: Characteristics of Good Breed Material

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The breeding of animals is under human control, and the breeders decide which individuals shall produce the next generation. The breeder makes a choice.

The breeding of animals is based upon the fact that certain qualities are genetic, hence valuable qualities are passed on from parents to offspring. The qualities can be maintained or improved in the next generation.

The performance of an animal is influenced by two major factors;

Genetic potential
The environment, includes Feeding, health, care and ecological conditions.

The genetic potential of an animal is inherited from its parents.

In selection and breeding animals with superior characteristics are selected and allowed to mate.

In the process, they transmit superior characteristics to their offspring.

When this is done over a long period of time, it results in livestock improvement.

Characteristics Of Good Breed Material

Condition scoring is done to see if cattle are healthy enough for breeding and production – or if stockmen suspect that animals are sick.

Fat Under Skin

Scoring Cattle Condition

1 = too thin

2 = thin, but healthy

3 = ideal condition

4 = fat

5 = too fat

Checking and scoring the condition of cattle is not difficult but requires some experience. First feel the amounts of fat under the skin in the areas marked A and B in the figure above: A is the loin area between the hip bone and the last rib. B is the area around the tail head.

Shows The Five Possible Conditions

Remember, animals that are too fat can have problems with breeding and calving. A condition score of 3 is ideal, but the score shouldn’t drop below 2.