PART II. CATTLE 

 CHAPTER XXIII 



BEEF TYPE OF CATTLE 



The general appearance of the beef animal of correct type is 

 compact and broad of back from shoulder points to hips ; it has 

 a wide, deep body, short and somewhat thick neck, wide, deep, 

 full bosom, broad, thick, fleshy hind quarters, and is generally 

 broad and deep. Viewed from one side the top and bottom lines 

 of body extend parallel, with the back quite level. From front 

 or rear the outline should be rather full and broad. Cattle of 

 this type are commonly referred to as "blocky," indicating com- 

 pactness and squareness of form. If the body is inclined to be 

 long, it may be termed " rangy," while animals long of leg and 

 lacking in depth and fullness of body may be termed "leggy." 



The head should have a broad, strong muzzle, indicating 

 superior grazing and feeding capacity. The nostrils, when some- 

 what prominent and large, with a wide nose, give evidence of 

 ample nasal capacity to supply the lungs with air. A Roman nose 

 occasionally occurs with cattle, but it is neither attractive nor desir- 

 able. The distance from the muzzle to a point immediately between 

 the eyes is preferably short, with some curve, or " dish," as it is 

 termed, just below the eyes, which should be wide apart, large, 

 and indicate a gentle temperament. A quiet eye means an easy 

 feeder, while a nervous, restless eye shows an animal unsatis- 

 factory to handle and care for. The forehead, as indicating mental 

 capacity, should be broad and reasonably full. The/#<^ and cheeks 

 in a superior head are full and deep, connected with a rather 

 broad, strong lower jaw. If of the horned type, the horns should 

 not be coarse at the head, but should show plenty of fine texture 

 and quality and be graceful and of harmonious proportions. An 

 abundance of rather long hair should crown the poll, or top of 



