Selecting Oxen
by Beverly Zimmer

The two questions most frequently asked about selecting oxen are:

• Which breed is best?

• What should I look for in a calf that will (most probably) make a good ox?

Selecting a Breed

An ox may be defined as any breed of cattle trained to wear a yoke, obey commands, and work as a beast of burden. No one breed is best.

Consider the following points in making your choice:

• The availability of a breed in your area. Look for two (2) calves of similar ancestry (preferably with the same sire, or father), growth, color and conformation (structure, shape, etc.).

• The amount of money you are willing to spend to purchase your team.

• The local demand for particular breeds at resale time.

• Your personal preference—what kind of cattle do you like best?

• The temperaments, size, and growth of each breed. All breeds have weak and strong points.

Selecting a Calf

When you find calves you think will work for you, don’t get in a hurry to buy them. In examining the calves, consider these questions:

• Are they active and alert?

• Do they have good feet (high in the heel and short in the toe) to ensure proper moving ability?

• Do they have any defects or weaknesses, especially sickle hocks or weak pasterns (the area at the back of the hoof) in the rear legs or toeing out of the front feet?

• Are their legs squarely placed?

• Are they well muscled?

• Do they have a strong, straight backs?

• Do they appear masculine? Of course, if you’re looking at heifers they should appear feminine.

• Do they have horns? Horns are a necessity, as they hold the yoke on when backing a wagon and/or pulling the wagon downhill.

The most important criteria in your oxen are: disposition, agility, size, scale, and color. As you look at potential calves, try to envision the ideal ox in your mind and relate that to the calves you see.

Select animals that will develop and grow similarly so that they will look and work alike as a mature team. It’s a good idea, if they’re available, to purchase three (3) calves with the hope that two (2) of them will closely match.

No one can guarantee that the calves you purchase will come together and work as you want them to, but these guidelines will help you in selecting ideal calves to train.

Beverly Zimmer is a previous editor of the Midwest Ox Drovers News, from which this page has been adapted with permission. For information on the Midwest Ox Drovers Association visit their website at http://www.midwestoxdrovers.com or email Vicki Solomon, current editor.