Texas Adapted Genetic Strategies for Beef Cattle X: Frame Score, Frame Size, and Weight

Abstract

Body size is an important genetic factor in beef cattle production. Historically, size was first estimated by measurements such as height or length. As scales were developed, weight became more common as a measure of size. Although measurement and weight are related, their rates of maturity differ. By 7 months of age, cattle reach about 80 percent of mature height but only 35 to 45 percent of mature weight. At 12 months, about 90 percent of mature height is reached, compared with only 50 to 60 percent of mature weight.