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Post by Deleted on May 26, 2013 16:30:51 GMT -5
id have to second the foot issue. in the second pic where you can clearly see his foot angle, there doesn't seem to be any heel at all. that may be a feature of his age at the time the pic was taken, but i'd keep an eye on this one, especially since so many dexters have poor feet.... Hi Can you explain the lack of heel for me please? Its something I dont thing I am aware of. I have looked at the linear images to help us determine good and weak traits - but if you could elaborate to help us out, it would be appreciated please
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Post by Deleted on May 26, 2013 16:36:31 GMT -5
i think he has a common 'fault' with the dip just before the tailhead. Dip before the tail head - yes I see what you mean. He did have hair sticking up along his tail which is now clipped and I can see in the photos, the dip! If its common (yes getting to page two here, but have not read those posts yet) then its dominant - most likely yes? ? Not something we would want to spread through the herd. Will take a closer look this arvo at the boy, and his dam and sire actually to see how dippy the young man is, and if dad/mum gave it to him. Actually will check out the entire herd on this trait - Thank you
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Post by Deleted on May 26, 2013 16:42:23 GMT -5
I realize that I have expanded beyond a critique of this single calf, but the seeds of growth were planted with the observation that "looks" mean little when evaluating long term performance, and that an overview of background genetics is probably more important. If the answer to MY question expands this too much...I/we/Olga can remove this and we can start a discussion on the Genetics thread. [/i][/quote] As the originator of the post - please expand away - its all very helpful. This is what we were looking for - education Just as a foot note: We are currently in the process of booking in a weekend for Linear Classifications to be done on those eligible within our herd of 21 - but due to the young age of most, they wont qualify for a classification until 2014-2015 - so please feel completely free to help us out in the meantime. We dont and wont, take it as a personal attack. We want to do the right thing by the breed and our dexters - and we can only do this with education.............................
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Post by tarsallat on May 26, 2013 20:33:14 GMT -5
Lack of heel makes for a flat foot. Deep heeled feet forces the hoof more up on the toe, better angle of foot (ie more upright angle of foot in relation to the ground). Toes don't grow too long then as they are worn down. That with a good shaped foot, ie little or no pincering of toes makes for good feet. Also pointing forward, no turning in or out of feet.
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Post by tarsallat on May 26, 2013 20:35:16 GMT -5
Why not visit a local experienced stud and get them to go over good and bad conformation with you? Or get them to go over your cattle?
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Post by Deleted on May 26, 2013 21:43:06 GMT -5
Why not visit a local experienced stud and get them to go over good and bad conformation with you? Or get them to go over your cattle? Oh we have - to four of them actually. One was 16 hours driving one way But just because they are long term breeders, each has their particular point of undesirables as well as their interpretation of the standard and what a drawing displays (Linear Classification) The more people, the better as I believe this way one gets a true indication and interpretation - instead of a single vision Meaning this in the most polite and nice way of course
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Post by Deleted on May 26, 2013 21:50:06 GMT -5
Lack of heel makes for a flat foot. Deep heeled feet forces the hoof more up on the toe, better angle of foot (ie more upright angle of foot in relation to the ground). Toes don't grow too long then as they are worn down. That with a good shaped foot, ie little or no pincering of toes makes for good feet. Also pointing forward, no turning in or out of feet. Ahhhh gotcha. Its definitely the photo then, and yes, I can see what you mean too. Im wondering if he was on the move in that pic - he wasnt happy with the Nikon coming out and pointing at him especially since I had it on action-take (about 6 pics per second clicking away) He is up on his toes but we are a little worried that he is too far up on his toes when comparing with the linear diagrams. His toes are firmly closed.
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Gorignak
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Post by Gorignak on May 27, 2013 7:56:12 GMT -5
Good on ya' lindon .....allow the options to present themselves. You will notice that I enjoy asking questions that sometimes encourage a "less than civil" dialog.
OK.....the reason is, these cattle were originally selected for survivability in a semi-hostile environment and conditions. FORGET THAT AT YOUR PERIL All the traits described, and foremost the feet configuration, are critical to survivability....but be careful. Genetic traits follow each other like iron filings follow a magnet...IT IS IMPOSSIBLE to focus on one or two traits that are enjoying current favor, and not alter others.
You are off to a bang-up start......looking forward to seeing your herd in 5 years.
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Post by Deleted on May 27, 2013 16:25:55 GMT -5
IT IS IMPOSSIBLE to focus on one or two traits that are enjoying current favor, and not alter others. Exactly, right on the head of the nail thinking !! There's a reason the word 'balance' is within the standard. Oh and gorignak - congrats on your Dexter anniversary too ;D Ours is only a week away
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Post by midhilldexters on May 28, 2013 10:14:12 GMT -5
OK, the dip before the tail issue. Are we getting too much slope from hook to pin in the breed? This shows a Highland with a level back and shows the hooks and pins level. So if Dexters are getting too angular between hooks and pins, along with a high tail set? Could that be the cause of the "dip" we are seeing before the tail. www.skyehighfarms.com/HighlandCattleEvaluation.pdfCarol K
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Post by Deleted on May 28, 2013 22:16:39 GMT -5
OK, the dip before the tail issue. Are we getting too much slope from hook to pin in the breed? This shows a Highland with a level back and shows the hooks and pins level. So if Dexters are getting too angular between hooks and pins, along with a high tail set? Could that be the cause of the "dip" we are seeing before the tail. www.skyehighfarms.com/HighlandCattleEvaluation.pdfCarol K Well I just went to double-check on what the breed standard says and I cant find it. So will look for US's standard
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Post by tarsallat on May 29, 2013 8:52:28 GMT -5
Well, that is against all I've ever learnt, it was my understanding that there should be a downward slope from hooks to pins for ease of calving, otherwise the calf has trouble getting up over the pelvis and not enough room to the top where the tail is for the calf to get through.. Modern day breeding selects for the level rump angle, and ends up in resulting calving problems. Compare Charolais to Brahmans, Charolais have level rump and calving problems, Brahmans have a steep angle and calves just slip out. Just my opinion.
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