LESSER KNOWN BREEDS OF CATTLE 



325 



The limited number that have come to this country 

 have been imported more for ornamental than practical 

 purposes. Their appearance is more picturesque and at- 

 tractive, with their extremely heavy coats of yellow, red, 

 brindle or black hair, their long, spreading horns and 

 their alert, active demeanor. 



372. Brahmin, Zebu or sacred cattle of India (Fig. 63). 

 While these cattle are usually thought of as exhibits in 

 zoological gardens and menageries, they have some eco- 

 nomic importance. In the South, especially Texas, Brah- 

 min bulls are bred to native or even grade beef-bred cows 

 in the belief that the one-half- or three-quarter-breds do 

 better than the improved cattle on account of their greater 

 resistance to parasites, flies, ticks and the heat. 



373. Simmenthal. This is a Swiss breed named from 

 the valley of the Simme. They are triple-purpose cattle 

 used for milk, beef and work. It is customary to work the 

 steers one or two seasons 



before they are turned 

 off for beef. They are 

 large, of rugged ap- 

 pearance and of rather 

 beefy form. The color 

 is a peculiar light shade 

 of fawn or drab with 

 some white markings. 



374. Longhorn cattle 

 (Fig. 64). This is an 

 ancient British race of 

 cattle most notable on 



account of its having been the object of Robert BakewelPs 

 practice of his theories of breeding for improvement. It 

 was the leading beef breed until deposed by the Short- 



FIG. 64. Texas Longhorn. 



