Livestock show

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A livestock show is an event where livestock animals are exhibited and judged on certain phenotypical and genetic traits. Species of livestock that may be shown include pigs, cattle, sheep, goats, horses and alpacas. Poultry such as chickens, geese, ducks and pigeons are also shown competitively. These events are used to improve the livestock industry and better the quality of meat for consumers.

There are many different livestock shows all over the United States. These events are very popular and a growing trend. Some of the more prestigious livestock shows are; the North American International Livestock Exposition held in Louisville, Kentucky, the American Royal held in Kansas City, Missouri, the National Western Stock Show held in Denver, Colorado, and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo held in Houston, Texas. In addition numerous livestock breeds hold shows for junior exhibitors annually.

Many livestock shows are for 4-H and FFA youth projects. There are also many national and statewide livestock associations that support youth livestock exhibition. The main reason that young people are in these types of organizations is to learn more about the livestock industry and then to hopefully be part of the industry when they grow up.

The show livestock industry has become such a popular thing, that many young people are going to junior colleges and universities to be on the livestock judging teams. Being part of a livestock judging team is helpful with people's about to judge livestock and communicate with others. Many junior colleges and universities are helping students on the livestock judging teams pay for all or part of their education tuition.

The phenotypical traits that are evaluated with all species of livestock are muscle, structural correctness, frame size, style and balance. These certain traits will vary with certain species as well as if the animal is shown for market or for breeding stock. Since the main use of livestock is for their meat, muscle is the most important trait. There are several indicators of muscle, mainly being on the top line and rear of the animal. Structural correctness is another trait refers to how well the animals skeleton is put together, more specifically their bone structure. The animal needs to move with ease and smoothness. Animals should also have proper angles to their pasterns and flex in their joints, should as their hock, knee, and shoulder. Frame is another trait that is looked at when judging livestock. Frame should be decided on whether the animal is long-bodied, tall fronted, and have some internal capacity. An animal that has style and balance is one that holds its head up high when it walks, and is smooth in its overall appearance. The animal should be free of excess fat and should stand with a wide base.

With this people can realize that livestock shows are a growing and popular industry. Livestock shows are great events for today's youth to have a responsibility and be able to socialize with other young people from all over the country or the world. Livestock shows also give people a competitive edge, with a good cause behind it. The main reason for these livestock shows is to better improve the quality of meat products for the consumers to eat.