104 TYPES AND MARKET CLASSES OF LIVE STOCK 



head of the Aberdeen-Angus, Galloway, Polled Durham, and 

 Polled Hereford. Well-bred beef steers carry the colors of the 

 beef breeds, but these colors do not always cover well-bred beef 

 steers. Color alone is not a safe guide to good breeding. Color 

 gives unmistakable evidence, however, if it is the fawn, or spotted 

 white and fawn, of the Jersey and Guernsey, or the black and 

 white markings of the Holstein. In such cases, color furnishes 

 all the evidence we need as to the breeding of the animal. As 

 to which of the beef breeds should be given preference when 

 selecting feeders, that is almost entirely a matter of personal 

 fancy. They are all good, and there is no best. There are 

 differences to be sure, but none great enough to claim attention 

 here. 



8. Disposition. Nervous, restless cattle are profit-losers 

 on feed. In many instances, with proper handling, such steers 

 quiet down a great deal as the feeding period progresses, but in 

 many other instances this is not true. The eye and the carriage 

 of the head, ears, and tail are indications of the disposition. A 

 high-headed, wild-eyed steer, with ears in motion to catch the 

 slightest sound, stampedes on the least provocation. The poll 

 of the head should be carried on a line with the back, and the 

 eyes should be placid in expression, indicating a quiet, con- 

 tented feeder that will make gains in proportion to the feed he 

 consumes, instead of wasting his energy in nervousness and 

 frightened antics. 



9. Style. A low-backed, awkward, slouching kind of a 

 steer may feed as well and yield as good a carcass as a wide- 

 awake, straight-lined steer that stands squarely on his legs, 

 but other things being equal the latter steer looks much better 

 and attracts more favorable attention on the market than the 

 former. A steer of good style shows for all he is worth. The 

 other kind fail to make a good impression at first sight, and 

 on a crowded market this may mean much. 



10. Uniformity in size and color adds much to the attrac- 

 tiveness of a load of cattle, and in buying feeders this point is 

 worthy of attention. They look better in the feed-lot, and an 

 even load of steers attracts more attention on the market than 

 does a mixture of all sizes, colors, and sorts. 



In addition to the foregoing, other points may well be con- 

 sidered in selecting feeders. Avoid cattle that have cuts, sores, 

 or lumps on them anywhere, especially those showing lumpy 

 jaw. Avoid blind steers, lame ones, and those with crooked 



