TYPES AND MARKET CLASSES OF LIVE STOCK 131 



as well. The features which are of particular interest to the 

 breeder are: 1. The possession of a good constitution. 2. 

 Thick natural flesh. 3. Quick maturity. The first of these 

 is also of much importance to the feeder, the second interests 

 all parties concerned with beef cattle, and the third interests 

 both the breeder and feeder. Constitution is of the greatest 

 importance, for it guarantees thrift and vigorous reproduction. 

 It is the cornerstone of the successful herd. By thick natural 

 flesh is meant a full muscular development such as will expand 

 into a maximum fleshing when the animal is fattened. Quick 

 maturity makes possible a finish at an early age, and this prime 

 essential in present-day beef production is characteristic of cattle 

 that have the blocky, compact, low-set type. Long bodied, 

 long legged animals attain large size, but are difficult to fatten 

 before they are mature, and they mature late. 



When cattle intended for breeders are in high condition, 

 the standards for weights at various ages are as follows: 



Weights of Weights of 



Months bulls cows 



6 600 500 



12 1075 750 



18 1275 975 



24 1500 1150 



30 ..1800 1350 



36 1975 1475 



42 2100 1550 



The above figures are for purebred bulls and high-grade 

 cows such as should be used in market beef breeding herds. 

 The weights given for bulls thus represent higher standards 

 than those for the cows. The difference in the matured weights 

 of the two sexes as given above, while largely due to sex, is due 

 in part to higher average merit in the bulls than in the cows. 



The beef bull. In general appearance the beef bull is 

 identical with the steer, being wide, deep, compact, and low set. 

 When in use as breeders, bulls are seldom kept in high condition, 

 hence in studying the form certain allowances should be made 

 for lack of fatness, as this has much to do with the appearance 

 of blockiness and massiveness presented by the animal. The 

 bull should have plenty of size and we should not demand the 

 same degree of refinement in bone that is desired in the steer, 

 yet quality should be easily apparent. The hide should roll 

 up mellow and loose in the hand, showing medium thickness, 

 and the hair should be soft and fine. Even when in a medium- 



