JUDGING BEEF CATTLE 



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ahead. If the hocks touch at the points and the toes turn 

 out, the animal is called "cow hocked." This bad position 

 throws the thighs close together and prevents the desired 

 thickness. It is also important that the shank bones, from 

 a side view, stand nearly vertical, thereby supporting the 

 parts above so as to provide the best conformation. 



In judging breeding beef cattle, certain essentials should 

 be kept in mind. Masculine character of head and neck are 

 important with the males, and feminine features with the 



Figure 97. Oakdale Pride 2nd, a masculine type of calf, owned by 

 F. R. Edwards. Photograph by Hildebrand. 



females. The head of the bull is usually large, is rougher- 

 haired at the forehead and poll, and carries a strong horn, 

 if of the horned sort. The neck is also thicker and more 

 crested than with the steer, and the shoulders usually are 

 somewhat prominent, though not necessarily so. The cows 

 have refined heads, with light horns, and the neck is of but 

 medium thickness and length. The udder, also, should show 

 plenty of capacity. In general form of body, breeding cattle 

 should possess the important features already described, but 

 should lack in flesh as compared with fat stock. 



