What are the merits for the second place animal in a pair called when giving oral reasons?

The term used for the merits of the second-place animal in a pair during oral reasons is known as "grants." This terminology is commonly employed in livestock evaluation contexts, particularly in beef showmanship competitions. When presenting oral reasons, it is important to articulate both the strengths of the leading animal as well as the positive attributes of the second-place animal. "Grants" specifically refers to the commendations or attributes that are acknowledged for the animal that did not win the top position, helping to provide a balanced assessment of the competition. This practice enhances the evaluation process by ensuring that all animals are fairly recognized for their qualities, promoting a thorough understanding of their comparative merits.

The other terms such as points, scores, and credits may imply an overall numerical evaluation or a point-based system rather than a specific acknowledgment of the attributes of the second-place animal. Therefore, they do not convey the intended meaning in the context of oral reasons for livestock judging. Using "grants" appropriately aligns with the established language in livestock evaluation.