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Ever since I can remember the size of a bull was a matter of marvel and argument amongst us farmer boys. Each of us had an idea of what was the right size and weight he ought to be, in spite of the fact that only a few of us knew what a bull was all about anyway. Truth be known, we mostly figured he was the boss (Bull-O-Da-Woods) and the boss's job was to keep the cows safe and the babies lined up. Later I learned that he was more than that, of course, but in my early youth he was a matter to contend with mostly in loading on a truck to be carried to the sale barn; and what a show that could be. The price on too large an animal was usually "docked" because of the difficulty of handling and the requirement of heaver equipment: which was not readily available or in use in those days. So, practically speaking, livestock size was an important aspect of farming because it did make for ease of handling and how much the animal would bring at the Sale Barn, if that was its fate. The beef cow of choice was Hereford because of its easy fleshing on local pasturage, resistance to disease and usually unassisted, self calving.
Today size is important because of ease of handling but mostly driven by the market demand for small; I hope not small at "any price", but just a good practical application of miniature for aesthetic and good fit reasons.
As I understand it, when the pressure to up-size came, the desire to project a mature size in height came with it. And the "Frame Score" is a chart designed to give us that projection from a immature (weaning) calf to its estimated mature size. Now I can say the reverse is also true for the buyer of our miniature cows.
To me the rub is this word: FRAME. For those seeking to up-size, by definition a larger frame is needed to hang on. The hip is the suitable reference as across all breeds the frame of the hip is a stable, observable spot, unlike the weathers (shoulders,) or some where on the back.
"Frame scores are an objective, numerical description of cattle skeletal size which reflect the growth pattern and potential mature size of an animal. Frame score values typically range from 2 to 9 and are calculated from hip height and age. Frame scores are frequently reported as supplementary information to weight and other performance data. They can be used to project mature size, provide an indication of composition, and characterize performance potential and nutritional requirements of an animal. (emphasis added)
The Beef Improvement Federation has recommended in its "Guidelines for Uniform Beef Improvement Programs" that height measurements for the calculation of frame score be taken at the hip directly over the hook bones as illustrated above Height measurements can be collected through the use of hip height measuring sticks marketed specifically for that purpose. Such height sticks are constructed with a sliding arm containing a bubble level on a pole scaled in height increments. To make a measurement, the pole is held vertically alongside the animal's hip with the sliding arm positioned level and directly over the hook bones and a measurement read from the pole where the arm attaches. For accurate height measurements it is necessary for the animal to have its legs set squarely and head in a normal position. An alternative to using a height stick and where the accuracy of individual measurements is not as critical is to place a grid marked in height increments inside a scale or working chute. As cattle are being worked, a height can be read off the grid by sighting across the animal's hip. Modifications can also be made to equip cattle handling chutes with a moveable front to back pull-down measuring device calibrated to obtain height measurements."
Now, What I'd like to point out is that this may look alright but in fact is not representative of the a body condition of 6 or higher! It is appropriate on a weanling but when one puts solid muscle on top of that frame (skeletal size) one is adding score measure of the beef, not the frame! And after all, for those of us that are seeking to produce tasty, quality, naturally marbled beef on a miniature frame, use of the height across the back is not its true Frame Score but rather its body score.
So I recommend a point of reference of the "Frame Score" to be in fact it cow or bull's tip of the hip bone, or Hook Bone. The outside most point of reference of the animal's frame, and a point consistently found on all species of bovine.
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The importance of my point of reference is in that the BEEF in the question, "Where's the Beef?" lies in the fact that on a nice beefy steer, the real money lies on top of that hook, down the back. Yet to the Mini Cow buyer it lies under that hook bone. |
Now, for the beef cattleman, the term "Moderate Frame" characterizes a frame score in the lower ranges of 1 to 5. Since most of today's giants are not that, by measurement of top of back or hook bone, why worry about it? At Falster we are breeders of two types of mini cows (well, now) 3 types: Mini Pet, Mini Beef, and the Hersey, a duel purpose breed.
I prefer to look at the frame score being based on the actual skeletal size knowing that I'm representing or projecting the cows real structural development or potential, and then talk about the beef size and quality on top of that frame. For example if I am describing a "Table Top" back or top line, it is easy to visualize a beefy broad and deep body characteristic, yet it can be changed by a change of body condition.
Another example, I work a cow or bull through the squeeze shoots and find it a certain height at the hip. Then I give it a hoof trimming of 1/2 - 7/8 of an inch, I change the body height but not the frame's structure. So, regardless of your wishes for Frame Score, you are dealing with several variables and semantics.
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