When an animal stands with her hocks close together when viewed from the rear, she is said to be?

When an animal stands with her hocks close together when viewed from the rear, she is described as being cowhocked. This term helps to identify a specific conformation issue that can affect the animal's overall structure and movement. Cowhocked animals exhibit a deviation in the alignment of their rear legs, where the hocks are closer together than the feet.

Understanding this condition is essential as it can impact the animal's mobility and how effectively it can move, particularly under load or during activities. This conformation flaw can lead to potential stress or injury over time if the animal is required to perform tasks that demand agility or strength.

Other terms like "sickle hocked," which refers to a condition where the hock angles too much, or "pigeon toed," indicating that the feet are turned inward, describe different issues relating to the alignment of the legs and hocks. Recognizing these various terms and conditions is crucial for livestock management and breeding decisions, as proper conformation is vital for an animal's health and productivity.