Insufficient girth allows front feet to toe out is more susceptible to stress. Breeding for size requires out crossing. Breeding for size is single trait selection. Breeding for large size has decreased performance in the cattle herd in every area of production. Breeding for large size has also decreased the amount of intramuscular fat in the cattle herds.
Intramuscular fat provides for quality of taste and palatability.
Intra muscular fat in the bovine is a direct link to available energy and production for lower maintenance. Breeding for size, without regard to reproduction and maintenance has diluted the quality gene pools from the bull battery. Fifteen percent of cows in all breeds still have very high quality gene pools that remain stable and they are the underlying strength of the future of the cattle industry. The American cattle person cannot separate reproduction and maintenance when they are making selections for the seed stock of their future herds. When you make the proper choices and have a balanced cow and bull you will have a herd that performs on grass and hay.