Muscle score measures the degree of muscularity of an animal and describes the shape of cattle independent of the influence of fatness. There are five muscle scores ranging from A (extremely well-muscled) through to E (lightly muscled).

These terms can apply equally well to purebred or crossbred stock and should not be affected by condition, ie they mainly relate to the quality of the breeding programme and suitability for their end use.

Excellent - Top sires used and top standards of selection and management, ie the small percentage of really first class stock. A line with a large culling taken out.

Very Good - Good quality sires used with heavy culling and selection programme – stock with a reputation for growing out/fattening/producing well. A line with a reasonable culling taken out.

Good - Quality sires used, reasonable selection practices ie average stock. A line that has had no culling taken out.

Fair - Average quality sires used, but otherwise little selection practiced. A line that needs a heavy cull taken out.

Plain - Very poor breeding quality, eg inbreeding, structural or conformation faults expected to limit future growth and/or fattening/production ability. Could apply to culls or at best seconds or thirds from a line of stock.