BREEDS OF BEEF CATTLE IN UNITED STATES 227 



This breed is similar to the Shorthorn in every way except 

 that it is hornless. It is a comparatively new breed of cattle, 

 and has not become so popular as the older breeds, but it is 

 increasing in popularity. They will do well under the same 

 conditions which favour the production of good Shorthorns. 

 Some breeders have developed the dual-purpose qualities in the 

 animals with the result that there is considerable variation in 

 type. 



The Hereford. 



The Hereford ranks next to the Shorthorn in numbers in the 

 United States of America. Their popularity is constantly in- 

 creasing, especially where cattle are raised under range or adverse 

 conditions. As a "rustler" the Hereford is surpassed by no 

 breed of beef cattle, and they have been recognised as responding 

 readily to a favourable environment as well as being able to 

 thrive under adverse conditions where other breeds would not do 

 so well. On scant pastures and on the range where waterholes 

 are far apart the Hereford has shown its merit. The bulls are 

 active, vigorous, prepotent, and very sure breeders. 



Formerly, the Hereford was severely criticised because of a 

 light hindquarter, but the breed has improved wonderfully in 

 overcoming this defect during the last two decades. It is now 

 somewhat less rangy, more compact, and heavier fleshed than 

 formerly. The Hereford cows have also been criticised because 

 of their scanty milk flow, but they usually produce enough to 

 raise a good calf. The Hereford of the States has a better heart 

 girth, stronger constitution, and can withstand adverse condi- 

 tions better than the Shorthorn. They are early maturing, and 

 fatten readily in the feed lot. 



The weight of the Hereford is practically the same as that 

 of the Shorthorn. Mature bulls weigh from 1800 to 2200 lbs. 

 or more, while good co^^^s weigh from 1200 to 1600 lbs., although 

 it is not unusual for mature animals of either sex to weigh more 

 than stated. 



Mr. W. F. Ward, Senior Animal Husbandman in Beef Cattle 

 Investigations, U.S.A., says:— 



"In colour the Hereford is red with white markings. The 

 white markings usually consist of a white face and head, the 

 white extending along the top of the neck and shoulders, a 

 white throat and dewlap, and white on the underline. Fre- 



