LECTURE NO. 15. 



ABERDEEN-ANGUS CATTLE THEIR LEADING CHAR- 

 ACTERISTICS. 



I. Popularity. 



(1) The Polled Aberdeens were but little known outside 

 of Scotland prior to the middle of the present century. 



(2) Now they occupy a place in the public mind as beef 

 producers that is probably not second to that given to 

 Herefords. 



(3) The rapid diffusion of the breed since its introduction 

 into the United States augurs well for its future. 



II. Adaptability. 



(1) Aberdeen- Angus cattle are best adapted to temperate 

 climates when shelter can be given them in winter. 



(2) Although reared in considerable numbers on the open 

 ranges of the west, they are probably better adapted to what 

 may be termed semi-range conditions. 



(3) They have highest adaptation for arable land, level 

 or undulating, and rich in all kinds of food production, and 

 where it is desired to produce meat of a high class. 



(4) The absence of horns is favorable to feeding while 

 running loose in sheds and yards, and also to transporting 

 long distances by rail. 



(5) In hardihood they are about medium. 



III. Relative size. 



(1) They follow closely upon the Shorthorns and Here- 

 fords, although they do not possess quite the same average 

 size, but 



(2) They weigh remarkably well in proportion to their 

 size. 



(3) With good feeding, cows at maturity will weigh from 

 i TOO to 1500 pounds, and bulls 2000 to 2400 pounds. 



IV. Early maturing qualities. 



(i) Formerly they were slow in maturing, but in this 

 respect they have been greatly improved. 



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