BREEDING ANIMALS 



269 



of a strongly developed reproductive system and milking 

 qualities. In the female the hindquarters should be long, 

 level, the thighs broad, and the hook points rather prominent 

 when the animal is in medium flesh. The latter attribute 

 is indicative of strong maternal qualities. 



Constitution and Vigor. — All breeding animals should be 

 qualified with unusual indications of strong bodies and 

 natural vigor. Such animals, very much unlike fattening 

 animals, must undergo a severe strain incident to re- 



FiG. 113. — Galloway cow, showing a strong, rugged constitution. 



production. This requires an unusual amount of vitality 

 for best results. These characteristics are indicated in the 

 large, broad muzzle, broad, clear-cut head, bright, prominent 

 eyes, and a deep, full chest. A capacious, compact yet 

 roomy body is also indicative of this qualification. Consider- 

 ation of these points is vital in selecting breeding animals. 



Temperament. — Temperament has reference to the develop- 

 ment of the nervous system or the amount of nerve force. 

 In beef cattle the temperament should be lymphatic, which 

 signifies rapid fattening propensities. In animals maintained 

 for breeding purposes activity and thrift should be closely 



Digitized by Microsoft® 



