54 METHODS IN JUDGING AND SELECTION 



from the lungs, respiration stops for a short period when the 

 breathing or expulsion of the air is continued. Heavey 

 horses are characterized by irregular depressions of the 

 flanks, these movements being coordinated with the stoppage 

 and expulsion of the air from the lungs. 



Other Animals. — In other animals than the horse con- 

 tagious, infectious, and hereditary diseases are the most 

 likely troubles or imperfections which cannot always be 

 determined in the show ring. For example, tuberculosis and 

 contagious abortion in cattle, cholera in hogs, and parasitic 

 diseases in sheep are the most common, and the ones usually 

 the most important to detect. Unsoundness, as applied 

 to the horse, is not an important determination in cattle, 

 swine, and sheep. Their individuality, outside of precautions 

 against disease, can be determined very accurately from the 

 exterior characteristics. Breeding animals may be considered 

 as the exception. 



In the actual selection of a male or female for breeding, 

 they should be tested if feasible to do so. This is especially 

 important in selecting high-priced breeding stock. However, 

 it may not always be economy or good policy to test young 

 animals. In fact, a large percentage of both males and 

 females are sold at an age when testing would be impossible. 

 Average or moderate-priced animals are seldom tested for 

 breeding qualities. The comparative financial risk is not 

 sufficient to warrant such a method of selection. Older and 

 more valuable animals are worthy of greater consideration. 

 Sires should be tested with females which have proved their 

 merit in the breeding herd. Likewise, females should be 

 tested with sires which have proved their efficiency. Any 

 special merits or faults are thus readily detected. The 

 animal used for breeding to the untried individual should 

 always be a tried and proved breeding animal. Otherwise 

 the test is of no value. 



Promptness, Accuracy, and Thoroughness. — The student 

 should proceed with the examination of the animal as rapidly 

 as possible. However, it is necessary to take sufl[icient time 

 to Judge the various parts accurately. If this is not accom- 

 plished in the beginning it usually leads to hazy, uncertain 



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