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A STUDY OF FARM ANIMALS 



are most desirable, while plenty of additional length of rib 

 will mean ample digestive capacity. In examining the body 

 with the hands, one should be able to place two fingers held 

 side by side easily between the last ribs of mature dairy 

 cattle. The opinion prevails, that with dairy animals there 

 should be length of body with the ribs less closely placed 

 together than is the case with beef cattle. Consequently, 

 a body of considerable length meets with favor. Some 

 judges prefer the hind flank to be somewhat high, but this 



Figure 120. Judging dairy cattle. Viewing top lines from the rear, 

 graph by the author. 



Photo- 



quality is associated with lack of depth of body, signifying 

 a deficient digestive capacity. 



The hind quarters of the dairy animal have been the cause 

 of much discussion. The hips of the cows should be some- 

 what prominent and lean. With the males, less prominence 

 of hip is desired. In the case of each sex, much length and 

 breadth, with level carriage of rump, is wanted. Below this 

 part, the thighs, as viewed from one side, should appear 

 muscular and long. From the rear view, the thighs should 

 seem thin and placed wide apart, giving ample room between 

 for a large udder. We sometimes say that the thighs are 



