American Herbataurus Society - Animal Standards

For any kind of quality control to be determined or quantified there needs to be a method for measuring or managing performance whether it be improvement or decline.  For quality control to be measured there must be a standard by which to make comparisons.  Standards are determined by needs, goals, and desired outcome.

Linear measuring livestock has been around for centuries although most of that information has been lost, archived, or forgotten.  Dr. Jan Bonsma, a researcher from South Africa set out to develop a breed of cattle that could sustain tropical temperatures without physical degeneration or compromised performance.  During the course of his 30 plus years of research he repeatedly took 14 body measurements at regular intervals on thousands of animals. 

What he was able to ascertain by gathering linear measurement data on those animals is phenomenal.  It became obvious to him that animals with certain body measurements and measurement ratios were the ones that remained healthy, were productive and highly fertile.  The Bonsmara breed, which he created, is a testament to his knowledge and understanding of the bovine physical form.

I have thoroughly studied Dr. Bonsma’s work and others who have used linear measurement as a tool to evaluate cattle.  It has become an invaluable tool for me to identify structural weaknesses and strengths that are genetic and thus inheritable.
I, like Dr. Jan Bonsma, have incorporated the use of linear measurement to develop the American Herbataurus breed.

Listed below are the standards set forth by the American Herbataurus Society for American Herbataurus cattle.  Any cattle breeder (English breeds will adhere more readily then continental breeds) can implement these standards into their breeding program if their desire it to produce cattle that thrive, perform and reproduce on an all grass/forage diet.  

Cattle that meet the following standards can function very effectively on grass.  They will be efficient feed converters, high in reproductive performance, and possess the body type that yields a high meat to bone ratio (more saleable product).  They will produce more meat for less. Add genetic density (purity) to your herd and you will have cattle that are consistent, predictable and repeatable.

 

Please note that mismanagement can ruin any good breeding program and alter genetic expression or performance.

 

Standards are listed below for use as a quick/summary reference.

 

Female Standards

  1. Hearth girth ≥ top line (the larger the girth the better).
  2. Shoulder width = Rump length (± .5 inches is allowed).
  3. Rump length is 38-40% of body (2/3rds) length.
  4. Flank is a minimum 2″ larger then hearth girth (a higher # is better).
  5. Rump width is minimum 40% of rump height.
  6. Rump width is 2.5 inches wider than rump length.
  7. Frame score of 3.5 – 4.5 is best.

 

Male Standards

  1. Hearth girth ≥ top line (the larger the girth the better).
  2. Rump length is 38-40% of body (2/3rds) length.
  3. Rump length is 44% or more of body (2/3rds) length.
  4. Shoulder width is 2plus inches wider than rump is long.
  5. Flank is 0-2 inches larger than heart girth.
  6. Frame score of 4.5 – 5.5 works best.
  7. Scrotal at widest point should be 38-40 centimeters as a yearling.

 

Click here for a more detailed explanation of Linear Measurement Male & Linear Measurement Female