Evaluation of different methods of cattle hip height data collection

Abstract

Reporting accurate cattle hip height is important for calculation of frame score and expected progeny differences. The objectives of this study were to 1) evaluate the accuracy of the following hip height collection methods: visual appraisal using a premeasured board placed on the opposite side of the animal from the observer (VIS), measurement of the difference in distance down to the hips from the distance down to the floor with a descending tape placed above the animal (TPE), and measurement using an altitude stick (STK); 2) determine if head restraint affects hip height data accuracy; and 3) assess reproducibility of hip height measurements using different observers. Hip heights were collected on cows (n = 329) and calves (n = 341). Cow hip height was greater (P < 0.01) for TPE than VIS and STK (135.3, 133.8, and 133.8 ± 0.2 cm, respectively). There was a significant interaction for restraint × chute score (CS) for cows (P < 0.01) and calves (P < 0.03). Hip height was greater (P < 0.01) for calves with heads unrestrained (110.2 ± 0.2 cm) compared with restrained (108.3 ± 0.2 cm) in a squeeze chute. As CS increased (1, 2, 3), calf hip height (110.4 ± 0.1; 109.7 ± 0.2; 107.7 ± 0.3 cm, respectively) decreased (P < 0.01). Pearson correlation coefficients between observers were significant (P < 0.01) and all 0.86 or greater, indicating that the measurements were quite reproducible. Hip height measurements can vary due to collection method, head restraint, and CS.