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BULLETIN 434, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



ing feed (fig. 8), one of the essential functions of the dairy cow. 

 Although the barrel should be large, it should not sag away from 

 the backbone into what is popularly called a " pot belly," leaving 

 loose skin in the flank, nor swing when the animal walks. This 

 indicates an objectionable weakness in the muscles of the abdomen, 

 as these muscles should hold the barrel close up to the backbone. 



Loins : The loins are that portion of the backbone just in front of 

 a line drawn between the hip bones and extending forward to the 

 beginning of the short ribs. The loins should be broad and strong. 

 A sag or drop in this section of the back indicates weakness. A lack 



A large barrel indicates capacity for feed. 



of Avidth in this i-egion is caused by short processes on each side of 

 the backbone. 



Hindquarters. — Hip bones: The hip bones should be wide apart 

 and prominent. 



Eump : The rump should be long, wide, and level. The length is 

 measured from the hips to the pin bones. The rump is level when a 

 plane passed through the top of the hip and pin bones is horizontal. 

 A high pelvic arch is not desirable. The pelvic arch is inclosed by 

 the spinal column and the pelvic bones. The joints of this arch con- 

 stitute the hip and pin bones and this region contains the greater 

 part of the reproductive organs in which the calf develops. It is 

 asserted by some breeders that a short rump is associated with a 

 short udder and a sloping rump with a sloping udder. 



