The Judges' Policy

The aim and objective of any judges' policy is to accomplish conformity with regards to evaluation and standards. The interpretation and application of specific guidelines by the judges must consequently be applied to benefit the race, the animal and the exhibitor.The emphasis must be placed on important economical characteristics, which is founded upon functional efficiency, structural correctness, race- and sex-trueness.

Accordingly, emphasis is placed on the following aspects:

Pigmentation

Discrimination against animals displaying any black pigmentation on toe- claws, eyelids, vulva, udder, under the tail, in the ears and nose-mirror, or any deviations from the normal.

Weak sheaths

A Sheath that is not attached to the body neatly, which is floppy and overly long, with an accompanied big opening and a foreskin that constantly hangs out, in other words, a pendulous-sheath or exaggerated low-hanging sheath with a big opening or preputium.

Size

A cow or bull is too big if its size encumbers his/her functional efficiency. Too big and flat animals are unacceptable.

Structional Correctness

Structional correctness is directly related to economic production and an animal's adaptability and therefore merits careful and regular screening and evaluation. The approach of the Charolais Cattle Breeders Society is in accordance with economical production. These characteristics are defined as follows:

Desired Characteristics

  • Broad, strong and wide mouth with wide under-jaw and teeth that locks well against the pillow of the top-jaw.

  • Shoulders that are connected well and gives the animal a free and comfortable gait with the front legs.

  • Sturdy, strong back and lumbar area. Must not be excessively hollow or skew.

  • Long and well-placed ribs for sufficient capacity and salutation.

  • Rump with good length- to ischium. Not too flat due to thurls placed too high.

  • Good width between ischium.

  • Good width between thurls.

  • Strong, dry and sturdy heels with no deviation towards sickle or erectness.

  • Sturdy strong knuckle joints that do not display too upright, stiff or spongy.

  • Claws of sufficient size, compactness, well grounded and deep with an even floor.

  • Front-legs straight with no inclination towards an X-type frame or excessively turned out front claws. Uneven abrasion of the inner claw is usually evidence of structural weakness in the shoulder or front legs.

  • The structure of the legs is of great importance to the Charolais-breed. Animals must have the ability to move freely and easily. Uneven movement of the heels, upright heels, sickle heels, loose knuckle joints and stiff knuckle joints are characteristics that must be guarded against, as it does not contribute to efficient movement.

  • Above-mentioned deviations can lead to serious economic repercussions, especially where the animals must produce under extensive conditions. In such cases the genitalia must be well developed and the testicles must be of even size with no indication of underdevelopment or any other deviations.

  • The female animal's genitalia must be of sufficient size with no signs of underdevelopment or any other deviations.

  • The udder of the female animal must appear as well developed with the quarters of even size, firmly attached at the front, side and back. Malformed teats must be guarded against.

The typical Charolais should therefore be a medium sized animal and must exhibit signs of high fertility and production ability. The animal must possess sufficient muscling, length and width of body, as well as structural correctness.

Undesired Characteristics

  • Weak attachment of front quarter and mesosoma

  • Weak back and loins

  • Too coarse a bone structure

  • Upright heels

  • Knuckle joints too stiff and steep

  • X-frame legs

  • Outward turned front claws, with short knuckle joints as well as inward turned front claws.