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| Frame score:
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| Hip height converted to frame score is a linear measurement that helps
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| cattle producers evaluate lean-to-fat ratio potential of an individual animal in a
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| performance program. No one frame size will be best for all feed resources, breeding
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| systems, and markets. Large-framed animals tend to be heavier at all weights, leaner,
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| and later maturing. Small framed animals tend to be lighter, fatter, and earlier maturing.
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| Frame scores can be monitored to maintain body size, fatness level, and maturing rate
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| within the optimum ranges dictated by the resources, breeding system, and market
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| specifications of a herd.
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| Frame score is a convenient way of describing the skeletal size of cattle. With
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| appropriate height and growth curves, most animals should maintain the same frame
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| score throughout their life, regardless of when they are evaluated. However, frame
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| scores may change for animals that mature earlier or later than average for their breed.
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| The recommended site for hip height measurement is a point directly over the hooks.
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| This measurement should be adjusted to a weaning age endpoint of 205 days and to
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| yearling age endpoints of 365, 452 or 550 days. The same age range guidelines as for
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| weaning and yearling weights should be used.
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| Insert Picture
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| The following tables give current estimates of cattle height at different ages, along with
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| adjustment equations for bulls and females. Values for steers are not available;
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| however, bull height estimates may be used as approximations for steers.
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| Insert Tables
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