What is a good pelvic measurement for a heifer?

What is a good pelvic measurement for a heifer?

Using Heifer Pelvic Measurements Research indicates that a normal 600 pound yearling heifer should have a pelvis at least 11 centimeters wide and 12 centimeters high to deliver a 63 pound calf. Heifers with a smaller width or height dimension should be considered for culling.

How do you measure pelvic width?

The vertical measurement is the vertical diameter between the symphysis pubis on the floor of the pelvis and the sacral vertebrae. The horizontal measurement is obtained by determining the horizontal diameter at its widest point between the left and right ileal shafts (Figure 2).

What does BMI stand for in cattle?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is calculated from your height and weight and is a useful measure of overweight and obesity.

What is the pelvis?

What is the pelvis? The pelvis is a basin-shaped structure that supports the spinal column and protects the abdominal organs. It contains the following: Sacrum. A spade-shaped bone that is formed by the fusion of 5 originally separate sacral vertebrae.

What does RWF mean in cattle?

Color: BBK = Homozygous Black, BLK = black, BWF = black white face, BBF = black brockle face, RED = red, RWF = red white face, WHT = white, BRC = black red carrier. 5. Mating type: E = embryo transplant, A = via artificial insemination, N = natural service. 6. Sex: B = Bull, H = Female.

What does CW mean in cattle?

CW – Carcass Weight The EPD predicts the difference in hot carcass weight of a bull’s progeny compared to progeny of all other bulls evaluated at a given endpoint. Reported in pounds, a higher number is generally desirable.

Why is pelvis important?

The pelvis plays important functions in (1) locomotion, as body weight is transmitted to the lower limbs through the pelvic girdle, (2) childbirth, as the human neonate must pass through the birth canal, which lies within the pelvic girdle as the baby exits the body, and (3) support of abdominal organs which are held …

How do you measure the pelvic area of a cow?

The unit of measure for pelvic area is cm2 and is calculated by multiplying the height of the pelvic region by the width of the region. The best time to measure pelvic areas in heifers is prior to their first breeding season when heifers are 12 to 14 months of age.

When is the best time to measure pelvic areas in heifers?

The best time to measure pelvic areas in heifers is prior to their first breeding season when heifers are 12 to 14 months of age. Based on research, ratios have been developed that give an estimate as to what size calf a heifer could deliver at two years of age without assistance (Table 1: adapted from Deutsher, 1987).

Is pelvic area in cattle heritable?

Structural traits in cattle tend to be highly heritable and pelvic area is no exception. This means there is a large genetic influence on pelvic area, which results in rapid response to selection.

Should pelvic size be considered when selecting cattle for breeding?

However, selecting only for pelvic size would probably result in an increased mature cow size. If pelvic measurements are obtained before breeding, potential problem heifers with a small pelvic size can be culled from the herd. One management practice is to cull the smallest 10 to 15 percent.