JUDGING BREEDING BEEF CATTLE 261 



distinct disfavor, and should rule an animal from the show 

 ring as defective. The temperament df the bull is also 

 quite distinctive of sex character. Through it he shows the 

 power of self-assertion, as the natural leader of the herd, 

 and his carriage should be bold and masculine, rather than 

 mild and sexless like the steer. The constitutional vigor 

 of the bull, as has already been expressed, is shown in the 

 head and neck. However, the arch and depth of forerib, 

 and fullness of breast and chest, are regarded as of first 

 importance in indicating constitution, for reasons already 

 given. Stylish, erect carriage of head and neck, usually 

 expresses strength of constitution, while a low, indifferent 

 attitude of head and neck indicate lack of vigor or poor 

 health. Sex character and constitution are essentially of 

 equal importance, for a male lacking either of these would 

 be considered inferior. Size in the bull, or weight at ma- 

 turity, should be considerably in excess of that of the 

 female. Very large size is not essential, and often means 

 coarseness. Undersize is a serious objection, because the 

 small bull, though meeting all other requirements but size, 

 is liable to sire animals that will never reach standard 

 weights. While the present day demands considerable size 

 in breeding stock, most breeders prefer bulls of medium 

 size, possessing much quality. A beef bull weighing 2,200 

 pounds at maturity, not in high condition, might be con- 

 sidered of satisfactory weight. The inheritance of natural 

 flesh-carrying quality is of special importance. The bull 

 in good breeding condition, that has a frame smoothly 

 covered with a natural layer of mellow flesh, may be ex- 

 pected to transmit this quality to his offspring. Further, 

 such a covering, consisting largely of smoothly laid-on 

 muscle, readily takes on fat and reaches a high degree 

 of condition. The tendency in the beef show ring is to 

 bring in breeding cattle in high condition. This is unfor- 

 tunate, as it is often at the expense of procreative power 

 after the show season is over. The breeding bull should 

 not carry the high condition of the steer, yet should show 



