EXERCISE 74 



JUDGING BEEF CATTLE 



Object. To study the factors determining the value of beef cattle from the standpoint of the breeder, 

 feeder, and butcher; to study the proportion and general symmetry of an animal so as to form 

 an accurate judgment regarding its size, weight, condition, quality, and general conformation. 



Fig. 112. Poor type of feeder 



This steer is lacking in depth of body and expanse of stomach char- 

 acteristic of the better type of feeder 



FJG. 113. Shorthorn steer — Merry Monarch 



Grand champion steer at the International Livestock Exposition in 

 1917. Fed and exhibited by Purdue University 



Materials. Pictures of good types of animals clipped from live-stock journals and mounted on cards ; 

 stereopticon and slides ; score card on opposite page ; suitable animals for judging. 



Directions. Observe carefully the illustrations showing the parts of a beef animal and be able to 

 locate the parts on the animal before beginning the judging. Beef cattle are judged by both the eye 

 and the hand. The eye determines the form, symmetry, size, color ; the hand determines the thickness 



Fig. 114. Hereford steer — California Favorite 



Grand champion steer at the International Livestock Exposition of 

 igi6. Bred, fed, and exhibited by the University of California 



Fig. 115. Aberdeen Angus steer — Victor 



Grand champion at the International Livestock Exposition in ion. 

 Fed and exhibited by the Iowa State College 



of flesh, pliability and looseness of the skin, and the texture of the hair. In judging the covering run 

 the tips of the fingers along the backbone, the loin, shoulder top and side, and the tail-head, which are 

 the parts least likely to be well covered. Test the quality of the skin by picking up a roll over the back 

 rib while the animal's head is held directly forward. 



In judging a beef animal the standpoint from which it is judged is of much importance. Check the 

 ten most important items in the score card from the standpoint of the breeder; of the feeder; of the 



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