CHAPTER XXI. 



THE COMPARATIVE STUDY OF BEEF CATTLE. 



THE judging of cattle by means of the score card is espe- 

 cially applied to the single individual. As a rule the card 

 is used in this way only, although occasionally two animals 

 are scored in a comparative way, the judge examining the 

 same features in order with each animal, and scoring the 

 same. This, however, is a slow process and is neither satis- 

 factory or practical in comparative judging. If not in the 

 regular show yard, a ring of four animals makes a con- 

 venient group for comparative study. These should be of 

 similar age and character, such as yearling steers, for ex- 

 ample, and preferably of much the same breed type. The 

 judge should examine them as they stand in line for in- 

 spection, but also as they pass before or about him at the 

 walk. Following the plan of the scale of points, the cattle 

 should first be examined as to their general appearance, in 

 which case the weight, form, quality and condition are con- 

 sidered, and each animal is compared with the others. The 

 judge receives certain impressions in this first general ex- 

 amination, that will influence him in his final placings. He 

 stands some distance away, and compares the animals in a 

 comprehensive way that is not possible at closer range. 

 He walks about the group, surveying and comparing at 

 different angles, for this is necessary if the work is to be 

 carefully done. The question the judge asks himself all 

 the time is, how near does each animal measure up to the 

 ideal of the scale of points? "Weight he recognizes as of 

 distinct importance, considering age, but beauty of form 

 is essential, for in it are included the most important fea- 

 tures sought after by the butcher. If, then, the animals 

 are compared as to general form, they can hardly be ranked 

 in order until they are compared as to quality and condi- 



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