Types and Market Classes of Live Stock 



35 



top line of the neck should be slightly arched and the poll of the head 

 should be slightly higher than the top of the shoulders. 



The shoulders should be very smooth, blending perfectly with the 

 rest of the body. This conformation is secured when the shoulder blade 

 lies snugly against the ribs beneath, and is covered over with a uni- 

 formly thick layer of flesh. The top of the shoulders should not be 

 sharp and fine, nor yet so wide that the tops of the shoulder blades are 

 prominent and outstanding, but should be moderately wide and nicely 

 rounded over with flesh. Rough, angular shoulders, unevenly covered, 

 are among the most common defects of beef cattle. When the shoulders 

 are not properly laid in, but are wide and open, the appearance of the 



32. Tail-head 



33. Thighs 



Fig. 3. — Points of the steer 



34. Hocks 36. Switch 



38. Cod 



35. Tail 



37. Twist 



animal is injured, the fleshing over the shoulder is not taken on properly, 

 and, when slaughtered, the carcass lacks the smooth, tidy appearance 

 so much desired. A prominent shoulder also causes the development 

 behind it to appear insufficient. 



The brisket and chest are highly important. The former should 

 carry forward prominent and wide, and be well fleshed, yet neat, 

 presenting a full, well-developed, and trim appearance. The chest, 

 which lies between the shoulders and immediately behind them, ought 

 to be very wide and deep. Too much width and depth are never found. 

 A full, deep chest with large heart-girth indicates a rugged sort of 

 animal possessed of much constitutional vigor. The floor of the chest 

 should be wide, as shown by the distance between the two fore legs, 



