"Straight in Hock" refers to livestock that have legs akin to a soldier standing at attention – a little too upright. It's about animals that lack enough 'set', or bend, in their rear leg.

You might have also heard the term 'post legged', which means the same thing. Just as a straight, rigid post lacks flexibility, so too does an animal that's 'straight in hock'. This is generally seen as a negative trait as it can negatively impact skeletal quality, functionality, and longevity.

Imagine trying to run with your knees locked – it would likely result in a short, choppy stride. The same goes for these animals, who typically have shorter strides and may not 'meet their track' or 'fill their stride' well, resulting in 'choppy' movement. So, 'straight in hock' refers to animals with a lack of bend or set in their rear legs, which can affect their movement and overall skeletal health.
Species Distribution of Term

There are no classes in our database that use this term.