258 JUDGING FARM ANIMALS 



stuff is occasionally put on feed that weighs around 500 

 pounds, being turned off to the packer at about twelve 

 months, weighing around 800 pounds. It is quite a com- 

 mon custom, however, to select feeders eighteen months 

 old or older, and weighing from 900 to 1,000 pounds. In 

 judging feeders, certain features should be emphasized, and 

 for reasons already given. Breed character and quality are 

 highly important. The best fat cattle of to-day on the 

 market appear the equals of pure breds in external char- 

 acteristics, and they are the leading prize-winners in the 

 feeder contests at the shows. The general form should be 

 of the blocky type, low set, wide on top, deep in the flanks 

 and supported on short legs. The head should be short, 

 with all the requisites of the good feeder, a most important 

 point in this kind of cattle. Shortness of neck, thickness 

 of chest with ample space between the forelegs, a deep body 

 or long rib, a wide, long, level rump, and thick, deep thighs, 

 are features to be sought for in the thin animal. Rough- 

 ness of shoulder, depressed or saggy back, and prominent 

 hips and tailhead are objectionable. Emphasize quality, 

 as shown in the mellow, elastic, fairly thick hide, the heavy, 

 fine coat of hair, and moderate size of bone. The general 

 quality of the animal is seen in his breed character, while his 

 handling quality is especially to be found in the hide and 

 coat of hair. From either side or end point of view, one 

 notes the desirable or undesirable characteristics, just as 

 in the animal in condition. But it must be remembered 

 in judging thin cattle, that a well-made frame is absolutely 

 necessary, if a high-class, finished product is ultimately to 

 come from it. 



