290. The Optimum Number of Cattle

The optimum number of cattle per herd is thirty, with a minimum of 21 head per herd being required, even if there are less than seven teams entered.

1. Roping steers shall not be used in Cattle Penning.
2. All cattle within a herd must be numbered in groups of three.
   1. There must be three head of assigned cattle (with identical numbers or colors) per team in the herd as each new team begins a run.
   2. There must always be the same number of cattle in each of the herds used in a go-round.
   3. In the event more or less than three assigned cattle are discovered within a herd, the team(s) with more or less than the three assigned cattle must have a re-run at the end of the total go-round. Time for all other teams within such a misnumbered herd shall remain the same.
   4. Cattle cannot be re-used within a go-round of a division except as specified in a re-run as above.
3. If no fresh cattle are available for re-runs, the cattle to be used will be determined by the show management and judge.
   1. If more than one run is given in any go-round, they will be taken in order of occurrence.
   2. If cattle are to be re-used and more fresh cattle are needed the used cattle must be mixed with the fresh cattle and re-numbered or color banded.
   3. Every attempt must be made to ensure each team works the same number of used and fresh cattle.
4. In the event a team is given a number or colored neckband that has already been used within a given herd, a re-run must be given immediately, using the correct number or color within the same herd.
   1. Should the error be discovered after the herd has been removed from the arena, then the re-run will be given at the end of the total go-round using the same herd.