Where should the deepest part of a heifer be located?

The deepest part of a heifer should be located at the chest floor. This is essential because the chest region plays a critical role in the overall health and productivity of the animal. A deep, well-formed chest indicates that the heifer has good lung space and capacity, which is vital for respiration and overall feed efficiency. A deeper chest often correlates with better growth rates and reproductive performance as it allows for the optimal function of internal organs.

In comparison, while the hip, cannon bone, and back are important anatomical features, they do not contribute as significantly to the overall health and productivity of the heifer in the same way that the depth of the chest does. The hip relates more to structural soundness and body composition, the cannon bone refers specifically to a part of the leg structure important for mobility, and the back is more about spine alignment. Each of these areas is relevant, but the chest floor serves as a primary indicator of the heifer's overall condition and capacity for growth and reproductive success.