156 



Types and Market Classes of Live Stock 



in direct proportion to the value of the sires used, 

 no higher than its source." 



"A stream can rise 



Value of beef cattle as related to value of their sires 



Arizona and New Mexico use the most bulls and the cheapest 

 bulls. These states are credited with the fewest calves and the steers 

 produced are markedly inferior in weight at two and three years of 

 age. Such factors as climate, feed supply, and method of manage- 

 ment affect the character and value of cattle produced on the range, 

 yet the predominating factor, as shown by the above table, is that of 

 good breeding. The importance of good breeding is again shown by 

 the fact that in Arizona and New Mexico the more progressive stock- 

 men have spent large sums in purchasing good bulls and this has re- 

 sulted in a decided improvement in the grade of stock on the public 

 ranges in those states within the last few years. On the other hand, 

 many of the smaller men either turn out scrubs or have no bulls at 

 all, and this results in low avejT^ges. 



Three prime essentials.w^In selecting beef animals for breeding 

 purposes, the breeder should emphasize those points which are im- 

 portant to the feeder and butcher, but must keep in mind his own 

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

 breeder are: (1) the possession of a good constitution, (2) thick 

 natural flesh, and (3) early maturity. The first of these is also of 

 much importance to the feeder, the second interests all parties con- 

 cerned 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 success- 

 ful 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 



