BEEF TYPE OF CATTLE 



205 



point out. Only very rarely do the toes point in. The necessity 

 for a graceful and straight position of the hind leg, smooth- 

 ness of joint, shortness of leg, and fineness of bone is apparent. 

 The udder of the beef cow is too frequently ignored. It should 

 be of good size and shape, extending well up behind and in front 

 along under the body, with four well-placed teats. Every beef 

 cow should be able to furnish ample milk for her calf for the 



I 



FIG. 79. Rear side view of the Hereford bull Richard Fairfax 449317, showing 



extreme thickness, depth, and superior beef type. From photograph, by courtesy 



of Ferguson Brothers (the owners), Canby, Minnesota 



first eight months of lactation. It is not creditable to a beef cow 

 to have an ill-shaped udder or to produce but little milk. 



The quality of the beef animal is shown in bone, skin, hair, ears, 

 and horn. A coarse bone, with large rough joints, long legs, and 

 heavy horns, indicates lack of quality. If the ears are large and 

 coarse, with heavy attachment, there is also lack of quality. The 

 most signal evidence of quality is in the hide, which should 

 always be mellow and pliable, and in the hair, which should be 

 silky and fine. In winter there are thick, fine hairs lying in great 

 profusion next to the skin, with longer ones projecting beyond, 



