36 METHODS IN JUDGING AND SELECTION 



or show yard placings, may be specifically considered animal 

 judging, his opinion being based solely on exterior character- 

 istics. The work of actually detecting the best individuals 

 in the herd from their ancestry and actual performance 

 records may be considered animal selection. It is rather 

 unfortunate, especially with certain classes of animals, that 

 the latter cannot be successfully carried out in show ring 

 judging. In facilitating the passing of judgment on animals, 

 therefore, the student judge must learn to detect the points 

 which indicate value for special productive purposes. The 

 determination of the value of animals through the form or 

 conformation lies at the basis of successful and popularly 

 so termed live stock judging. 



Objects. — The main objects in judging live stock are 

 twofold. First, the detection of the characteristics which 

 fit animals for breeding or reproduction; and second, for 

 work, broadly defined, or for the block. While the two 

 purposes are in a sense closely related, from the viewpoint 

 of the judge, there are important differences which should 

 not be overlooked. The breeding animal, for example, should 

 be judged from the standpoint of present individual excel- 

 lence, and the likely transmission and continuity of these 

 characteristics to the offspring. In judging an animal for 

 the block, any future usefulness beyond the fattening or 

 finishing period may be entirely disregarded, since the 

 present intrinsic value of the animal to the butcher is the 

 real paramount factor for consideration. 



Animal Knowledge. — The increasing magnitude of student 

 and show yard judging has brought into employment certain 

 customs in establishing the value or rating on the numerous 

 classes of animals coming before the eye of the judge. While 

 the exterior characteristics are not absolutely reliable 

 guides, more especially in breeding animals, a history and 

 knowledge of the performance of other similarly made 

 animals and keen detection of their merits or faults will 

 enable the student to form very accurate conclusions in 

 the judging ring. 



In judging breeding animals there is no absolute assurance 

 that certain desirable characteristics will be transmitted. 



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