Sitting ringside at a cattle show, taking in the glory of fit-to-perfection heifers is nice, but degree of condition, length and quality of hair coat and even a unique color pattern can obscure the true production qualities of show heifers, says Adele Harty, South Dakota State University cow-calf field specialist.

While phenotype does demand a place in heifer selection, Harty says some females that aren't necessarily as clean in their design can be just as productive as the more desirable heifers at first glance.

To read more about selecting heifers, click here.

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