INDIVIDUAL MERIT 



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are so hf^ndled, not because of added value for breeding 

 purposes, but rather to show what the ultimate result would 

 be in the offspring from such animals if finished for the 

 block. 



Breeding Condition. — Breeding animals should be main- 

 tained in medium condition for obtaining the best results. 

 This is especially true if such animals are to be handled by 

 amateur feeders. The experienced feeder can take an 

 animal which has been placed in high condition and remove 

 the excess fat in such a wa^' that the animal ma\- not be 



Fig. 8. — Shorthorn cow, showing high or pampered condition and lymphatic 



temperament. 



materially injured. While there is a sentiment against 

 placing breeding animals in high condition for show purposes, 

 it is not possible to bring out the ultimate results which 

 may be obtained unless breeders use this method of prepa- 

 ration. There is merit in such a practice if not overdone. 



Pampered Condition. — The average breeder should not 

 undertake to breed from animals which have been highly or 

 excessively fitted for market or show purposes. Such a 

 pampered condition is, without doubt, detrimental to the 

 breeding capacity of any individual. The period of usefulness 



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