Breed Selection Guide for cows and heifers

1. Milking ability and femininity

• Has mild maternal face with bright and alert eyes, good disposition, and quiet temperament
• Has an udder of good size and shape which is carried well forward and up behind
• Has an udder that is soft, flexible, and spongy to touch
• Has wild hind quarters wit prominent and well-developed vulva

2. Age
Cows and heifers are most productive from 4-8 years of age. Productivity, however, varies between breeds and type of management adapted. Generally, they remain productive for 13 years if they are allowed to start calving at the age of 3. use heifer for breeding at 18-20 months or when the animal weighs 220-250 kg.
3. Breeding ability
Cows that calve regularly are desirable. Lactating cows lose flesh readily when nursing their calves but regains quickly after the lactation period.
4. Types and conformation
An ideal cow is triangular in from while a beef cow should be rectangular.

For bulls
1. Physical features
A wide barrel indicates a well-developed digestive system and healthy vital organs. Likewise, a full heart girth, well-rounded muzzle, large nostrils and muscular cheeks and jaws, well-rounded thighs, and full loin reflect good body constitution.
2. Sex characteristics
Look for the well-developed , uniform and fully descended testicles with penis parallel to the body. A deep, wide chest, and a broad head indicate virility and good reproductive ability.
3. Age
Use bull for breeding when they are 18 months of age or 250-280 kg in weight.

For fatteners
1. Age
Using a 2-yr old steer or older is advantageous because it fattens easily over a shorter period of time.
2. Disposition
An active yet quiet and easy-to-handle steer usually grows fast and fattens easily.
3. Constitution and vigor
A large heartgirth, well-sprung ribs, and a wide, deep, and full chest show constitution and vigor.
4. Sex
Young bulls gain weight faster than steer while requiring 22% less feed to produce a kilogram weight. Bulls also produce leaner carcass which is nearly the same as that of steer. Steers gain approximately 10% more weight while requiring only 10-15% less feed than heifer.
5. Health
Healthy animal is active, with a moist muzzle, bright eyes, and a smooth hair coat. Animals with physical defects should not be used.