3O FEEDING FARM ANIMALS 



many. It would thus include evidences of correct form 

 for the end eought, of function as indicated in the form 

 and of vigorous digestion and assimilation as indicated 

 in the skin and the hair which covers it. In so- far as it 

 relates to form, it is judged chiefly by the eye, to function 

 it is determined by both the eye and hand, and to diges- 

 tion and nutrition chiefly by the hand as indicated by the 

 sense of touch. 



It would probably be correct to say that the dominant 

 thought in the mind when the term quality is used has 

 reference to the indications of good digestion and assim- 

 ilation because of the high relative importance of these. 

 The same animals may be possessed of the indications 

 shown by correct form and function in a marked degree, 

 but these will not avail when the digestion in the animal 

 possessing them is weak or deranged. 



The indications of good digestion and assimilation are 

 more difficult to grasp than the indications of correct 

 form and function, since a knowledge of them is obtained 

 so largely through the sense of touch, and the difficulty 

 is further enhanced by the fact that present condition 

 of flesh effects the handling more or less. An animal in 

 good flesh handles more satisfactorily than one in low 

 flesh, since the skin and hair are better nourished through 

 the added vigor given to the circulation of the blood from 

 which came the good flesh. The skin will, in consequence, 

 be more pliant and the hair more abundant and soft. 

 Nevertheless, the difference between the handling of lean 

 animals in the same condition is quite marked, sufficiently 

 so to furnish a correct basis for judgment. 



The handling of animals with a view to throw light on 

 their digestive qualities is done chiefly : (i) Through gen- 

 tle pressure of the finger tips on various parts of the 

 body ; (2) light pressure and lateral movement of the in- 

 side of the four fingers over the ribs ; (3) gently grasping 

 the hide also over the ribs between the thumb and fore- 

 fingers or within the hand, and (4) passing more or less of 



