What does the term "sickle-hocked" describe in steers?

The term "sickle-hocked" refers specifically to the hind leg conformation of livestock, particularly in steers. It describes a posture where the hock joint appears to be excessively bent or angulated. This unique angulation can lead to a curved appearance in the rear legs, resembling the shape of a sickle.

The correct choice indicates that the steers in question have an overly curved back, which is a result of the sickle-hocked condition. This can impact the animal's movement and overall structural soundness, which is important for both function and aesthetics in livestock evaluation. A proper understanding of this condition helps assess the soundness and longevity of the animal.

The other options pertain to different types of conformation issues. The option that suggests a straight hind leg does not align with the definition of sickle-hocked, while poor muscle definition relates to a different characteristic that does not directly involve leg structure. An optimal hind leg angulation depicts balanced conformation, which is in opposition to the sickle-hocked condition.