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BEGINNINGS IN ANIMAL HUSBANDRY 



the space between filled in full and low. Between, where the 

 thick lower part of the upper thigh meets the lower thigh, is 

 located the twist. On high-class fat cattle, the twist has a 

 very short, wide curve. The poorer the hind quarter from a 

 beef standpoint, the less noticeable the twist. The hind 

 legs, from behind, should appear straight, with the points 



of the hocks well separat- 

 ed and the toes directed 

 straight ahead. If the 

 hocks touch at the points, 

 and the toes turn out, the 

 animal is called " cow 

 hocked." This bad posi- 

 tion throws the thighs 

 close together and pre- 

 vents the desired thick- 

 ness. 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 

 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. 



Fig. 105. A front view of beef cattle, 

 showing breadth of chest. Photograph by 

 courtesy The Farmer. 



