82 JUDGING AND SELECTION OF LIVE STOCK 



there are some diseases, especially tuberculosis, which can- 

 not usually be detected by a casual examination. Some of 

 the worst affected tuberculosis specimens are those which 

 have on gross examination shown the least indications of the 

 trouble. This is one of the few diseases which may seriously 

 affect the vital organs or inner structure of the animal 

 without first making an exterior impression. Even in 

 an advanced stage there may not be sufficient evidence 

 to detect it. The purchaser should have the tuberculin test 

 applied by a competent veterinarian who can thus determine 

 whether the disease is in the system. Other diseases should 

 be detected before the purchase is made and thereby save 

 time and multiplication of troubles in the herd. 



Breed Selection. In selecting a breed of stock the pur- 

 chaser should have a definite idea of the kind of live stock 

 farming which it is desired to follow. Breeds have been 

 developed along specialized lines for performing definite 

 kinds of work. Practically all of them may be grouped 

 into certain standard types. The prominent breeds of the 

 draft type of horse, for example, include the Percheron, 

 Belgian, Clydesdale, and Shire. These breeds have all been 

 developed especially for draft purposes. However, not all 

 of them are equally well adapted to the varying conditions 

 of work, soil, feed, and climate. Here is where breed selection 

 should receive important consideration. Certain individuals 

 of any of these breeds may perform their work very satis- 

 factorily under all conditions. Breeds as a whole, however, 

 will be more successful when they are used under the con- 

 ditions in which they were originally bred and developed. 



The question is often asked concerning the best breed to 

 select. The answer depends entirely on the particular 

 conditions of soil, feed and climate existing in the section 

 as well as the local conditions on the farm. There is no 

 rigid rule which can be followed in selecting a breed of live 

 stock for a specific purpose. 



In making a selection, individual likes and dislikes should 

 be considered and should be properly balanced with the 

 other important points. After the type of the animal 

 and the breed from this type is fully decided upon the 



