Page 12 - Waiterenui 2020

MEASURING www.waiterenui.co.nz

Linear measuring

Linear measuring produces an accurate standard for reproductive RUMP LENGTH % The percentage the rump makes up of the 2/3 body
performance and maintenance efficiency of grass fed cattle. It length. A range of 36 to 40 percent is ideal. Rump length percent
measures phenotypic expressions of testosterone production in in the bull influences the neck length in his daughters. Lower rump
the male and estrogen in the female, and is a formalization of length percent increases neck length in daughters – indicative of
what we subjectively refer to as balance and type. Important higher maintenance and tendency to over-produce milk.
areas in the bull are shoulder width, neck length, scrotal size and RUMP WIDTH % Rump height divided into rump width. Should be 44%
conformation, and the heart girth to top line ratio. or greater. Greater is better. High rump width percent is indicative
SCROTAL Ideally the scrotum should be 38 to 40 centimeters. of early maturity, testosterone and ease of keeping.
It should be football shaped with the epididymis on the very ADJUSTED SHOULDER WIDTH Shoulder width minus rump length. Should
bottom. There should be no nipples on the neck of the scrotal be 50mm or greater. A high indicator of masculinity, reproductive
sac. All Waiterenui sale bulls have been independently evaluated efficiency and ability to withstand stress. Correlated with uniform
for scrotal soundness. gestation length, uniform birth weights, ease of calving and more
FRAME Taller animals gain weight longer. They take longer to uniform weaning weights.
achieve puberty and longer to finish, especially off grass. Tall ADJUSTED NECK LENGTH Actual neck length minus half the body length.
animals have less meat yield than short thick animals and are Short necks are a good indicator of libido and high testosterone
higher in maintenance requirement. production. Bulls with shorter necks sire early maturing daughters
GIRTH The closer the heart girth is to the top line or greater, the more with wide rumps.
efficient, adaptable and vigorous the animal is. Larger is better. RANK Higher is better.
FLANK The difference between rear flank and heart girth is
correlated to fertility. Rear flank should be 50mm larger than NOTE: Figures will be available on Sale Day.
girth, or greater. High flanked cattle are high maintenance, lack
substance and are very undesirable.

P age 10 | W aiterenui Angus | Passion Per formance Profit