INDIVIDUAL MERIT 59 



tive type of animal would rightfully be the winner, other 

 conditions being equal. In other instances the round, 

 sleek-bodied colt might be popularly classed as the most 

 deserving animal, yet from the standpoint of future develop- 

 ment and final value, the animal with the larger bone, more 

 angular and growthy form should be selected. 



Numerous other examples could be cited where the most 

 inferior animal, barring adaptation to purpose, might be 

 placed first in a class. A definite knowledge of utility, 

 however, is the foundation and keynote of successful live 

 stock judging. A class of animals should never be given 

 a rating before information pertaining to their usage is 

 obtained. One class might be placed in a certain order and 

 later in a reverse order by changing the viewpoint for 

 making the decision. The student should be watchful in 

 placing classes of stock, as utility or usefulness is the real 

 foundation on which decisions are made. 



General Appearance. Ordinarily there are certain dis- 

 tinctive characters possessed by an animal which distin- 

 guishes it from all others. The first impression obtained 

 of an animal implies general appearance, signifying the size, 

 shape or form, weight, color, peculiar markings, symmetry 

 and general demeanor, all being of special significance in 

 approaching or establishing the degree of conformity to 

 the standard implied or written. The factors pertaining to 

 general appearance should be determined at a distance and 

 not at a close angle, as such a position would likely obscure 

 symmetry or peculiarities in the animal under observation. 

 General impressions should always be obtained at a distance 

 sufficient to bring the real utility value in the proper sphere 

 of form and development. Other more detailed studies 

 may be made at close range which will enable the observer 

 to obtain a clear-cut picture of the value of an animal in 

 actual service. This involves a determination of the value 

 of several fundamental factors significant of the various 

 types, breeds, and classes of animals, as discussed in the fol- 

 lowing. 



Form. The form of most domestic animals, especially 

 meat-producing or block animals conforms closely to a 



