At Sassafras Valley Ranch, we want to make sure that we are retaining high-quality genetics. For a bull calf to be retained as a bull and not steered, it must meet certain criteria. To do this, in the fall, Bruce scores the cows and the calves using an evaluation or score sheet. Not only does he look at the bull calf itself, but also its dam—both are scored on the following traits. We also score heifer calves using this same evaluation tool.
Dam Scoring
Longevity
1 = 1 to 3 years old
2 = 4 to 6 years old
3 = 7 to 8 years old
4 = 10 years or older
Udder quality
1 = poor, large
2 = below average
3 = above average
4 = great, small, tight
Condition
1 = emaciated, very thin
2 = thin (can see all ribs)
3 = moderate (can see 2-3 ribs)
4 = very good, smooth
Frame
1 = too big or extremely small
2 = a little tall
3 = moderate
4 = very moderate
Disposition
1 = charges
2 = nervous, agitated
3 = calm, uncaring
4 = curious, extremely gentle, calm
Hair
1 = rough hair, longer coat (not appropriate to season), not slick
2 = below average
3 = above average
4 = appropriate to season, slick/oily
Girth
1 = narrow
2 = below average
3 = above average
4 = wide
Calf Scoring
Thickness
1 = thin
2 = below average
3 = above average
4 = thick
Performance
1 = slow growth
2 = below average
3 = above average
4 = fast growth
Frame
1 = too big or extremely small
2 = a little tall
3 = moderate
4 = very moderate
Disposition
1 = charges
2 = nervous, agitated
3 = calm, uncaring
4 = curious, extremely gentle, calm
Hair
1 = rough hair, longer coat (not appropriate to season), not slick
2 = below average
3 = above average
4 = appropriate to season, slick/oily
The scores are added and combined (cow/calf). The higher the score the better. The scores are then evaluated to see which bull calves will be retained as bulls and which ones will be steered.
