132 BEGINNINGS IN ANIMAL HUSBANDRY 



conformation. Thus systematic study becomes a feature 

 in the use of score cards. 



The relative value of the parts is also shown in the use 

 of the score card. When a specimen of a breed is being 

 studied, we must remember that we are using a scale of 

 points that has probably been adopted, after much careful 

 study and comparison, by a committee of experienced men 

 most familiar with that breed. Thus we get the best measure 

 possible of this breed, and in the scale we learn what 

 parts are most highly regarded, and which least. If we 

 are using a score card such as relates to a fat hog, where 

 breed is not considered, such as is in common use in the ag- 

 ricultural schools, then we find that experts have made 

 this up so as to give the proper values to the different 

 parts of the body. No matter what kind of score card 

 we are using, we may be quite sure that it will give a recog- 

 nized place and value to each part or group of parts. The 

 various breeds of live stock of much the same type have 

 scales of points that place similar values on what may be 

 called their most important characters. For example, all 

 the dairy cattle score cards give many points to udder, etc., 

 while those of beef cattle give special credit for breadth and 

 thickness of back. 



In the use of figures in scoring, it is not well to grade 

 any part in too fine a degree. Suppose the ear is given one 

 point. When so small a number is used to indicate per- 

 fection, grades of .25 or .50 or .75 may be used to express the 

 score for that part, and .25 of one per cent is small enough 

 to enable one to express reasonably accurate valuation of the 

 ear. In any event, decimals should be used, and the person 

 scoring should have his column of figures properly arranged, 

 with the decimal points in line. When common fractions 



