What indicates a heifer's fleshing ability most effectively?

The fleshing ability of a heifer, which refers to her capacity to gain weight and develop muscle and fat over time, is most effectively indicated by her volume. A heifer with good volume typically has a larger body cavity, which often corresponds to more room for digestive organs and the ability to process feed efficiently. This greater internal capacity allows her to convert nutrients into body mass more effectively, leading to better fleshing.

In assessing livestock, volume is an important trait because it correlates with overall size, health, and productivity. A heifer that possesses substantial volume will generally have a deeper body, wider midsection, and more rounded ribcage, all of which contribute to her potential for good fleshing. In contrast, other attributes like height, neck length, or pastern strength do not directly relate to her ability to flesh out. Height alone may refer to stature without considering body depth and breadth, neck length does not provide an accurate measure of body condition, and pastern strength pertains to structural soundness rather than overall fleshing capacity. Therefore, focusing on volume offers the most relevant insight into a heifer's fleshing ability.