Animals which appear sharp in their shoulders may not have enough muscle and finish to indicate market-readiness.

The statement highlights a crucial aspect of livestock evaluation regarding animal conformation and market readiness. Animals that display a sharp appearance in their shoulders often indicate a lack of adequate muscle development and overall fleshiness, which are essential traits for market-ready livestock.

In the context of meat production, animals need to possess a certain degree of muscle and finish, which refers to the amount of fat cover over the muscle. Sharpness in the shoulder area can suggest that the animal has not reached sufficient maturity or condition to provide high-quality meat, as market expectations typically call for animals that have a well-rounded, muscular appearance with adequate fat cover.

This concept emphasizes the importance of evaluating livestock not just on superficial appearances but rather on the overall muscle development and finish indicative of their readiness for market. Therefore, the assertion that sharpness in shoulders correlates with insufficient muscle and finish leading to potential unmarketability is accurate, confirming the importance of this characteristic in the selection process.