All about Livestock Judging and Whatnot

Livestock judging is an art that resulted from long practice and study. It is described as the study of relationship between an animal’s form and function.

Livestock judging is both an academic activity and an intercollegiate competition. It is composed of careful analysis of animals and methodical measurement of their functions in comparison to a standard commonly accepted as ideal.

Like any other sport and activity, livestock judging claims a criterion for a good livestock judge. This includes how much knowledge a judge obtains on the parts of the animal and their location. A good livestock judge must have this technical know-how. He should also know which parts are most important for meat and breeding stock production, as well as the best conformation for each part.

A good livestock judge must also be able to visualize the ideal animal and at the same time must have keen observations that compare them to the ideal. He is also expected to objectively weigh the good and bad points of each animal. This requires him to develop a systematic analysis and examination of animals so that crucial areas are not overlooked. Aside from these, a good livestock judge must be able to determine which animal fulfills a particular need and selection priority.

Livestock Judging Techniques

There are only four essential items in livestock judging. First is the information and knowledge of the parts and location of such of an animal. A mental image of the ideal animal should be formed. The ideal image includes species, breed and sex.

The second essential item is observation. As mentioned above, a good livestock judge should have a sharp eye of the important details of an animal. All areas should be seen and compared with the ideal so as not to overlooked important details. Further, these should be accurate and complete in all forms.

The third is a good comparison of each animal against each of the other animals in the same class of specie. A good livestock judge can weigh the good and bad characteristics of each animal. He then makes decisions based upon his findings. 

The final crucial item is the decision. This perhaps is the most difficult part. It involves ranking and placing the animals in the class. A good livestock judge must be accurate and logical. He must also be able to defend his decision.

At the end of the day, a livestock judge develops a keen sense of judgment, precise and sound selection, and strong confidence.

Tips in Using Words

Words are important in doing judgment and defending selection. Here’s a list of words to be avoided in making reasons.

First, avoid using better because it suggests weak reasoning. It actually explains nothing. Words ending with “ing” also tend to be weak. Use simple tenses of words only such as “place” instead of “placing.” Second, do not use animal or individual for it is too generic. It is best to state what specific animal you are describing. Third, avoid using lacks or lacking. These words are non-descriptive; be more detailed in description. Further, do not use “it” for animals have gender.

There are many words and phrases to be avoided in livestock judging. But the most important is a judge should stand by his decision no matter what.
