RELATION OF PERFORMANCE AND PRODUCTION 27 



tainments in this respect other than the part which they play 

 in the formation of size and shape in the finished animal. 



The muscles of an animal are directly related to the 

 attainments of power, speed, and meat production, but 

 more specifically to the latter. Short, thick muscles char- 

 acterize the draft animal; long and thin muscles the speed 

 animal. The fundamental purpose of the muscular system 

 is to operate the bones. The secondary function is to give 

 shape and a certain degree of finish to the animal. A careful 

 study of the skeleton and muscles will reveal that much of 

 the animal form is determined by the mass of muscles, 

 especially in certain parts. In other regions animal form is 

 characterized largely by the development of the bony frame- 

 work. A knowledge of these relations is of extreme im- 

 portance to the student of animal form. 



Special and Combined Functions. Specific functions char- 

 acterize animals which are bred for one definite purpose, 

 although they may produce liberally in other directions. 

 Animals of the special type are easily depicted or measured 

 in performance or productive value. Every part of their 

 structure is perfected toward one definite end. Every attain- 

 ment in the structural development is a manifestation of 

 some definite purpose. Where there is thus no division 

 of energy it is comparatively easy to make an alignment of 

 values. 



The dual purpose animal is bred for two purposes, both 

 of which must be embodied in the animal form. This 

 represents an average development, theoretically, or a com- 

 bination of two special functions. For example, beef and 

 milk, and mutton and wool represent the two commonly 

 accepted dual purpose functions or standards. The equation 

 of value must be measured in such animals by their specific 

 structural development. Although it is recognized that high 

 milk production, extreme speed, or unusual block tests are 

 antagonized in two purpose animals because of the alteration 

 of structure necessary to harmonize or equalize these two 

 purposes, they have a place in animal production. Student 

 judging should so depict every purpose, relation, structural 



