286 



JUDGING FARM ANIMALS 



have one of the most striking features of dairy type, quite 

 the opposite of that found in the beef animal. The withers 

 should be sharp, though the degree will depend upon the 

 breed influence and conditions. Judges very generally seek 

 for thin, lean withers, though undoubtedly in times past 

 too great emphasis has been placed on their sharpness. 

 This part, however, should be quite free of flesh, as this is 

 antagonistic to dairy development. Shoulders that are well 



Fig. 157. — "Only a slight amount of dewlap should be seen.' 



laid in, sloping smoothly into the back, and quite free of 

 surplus flesh, are necessary to secure the wedge form and 

 dairy type. Coarseness of the shoulder point is marked if 

 this part of the body is rough and heavy. Sometimes the 

 points of the shoulders are rather wide apart, appearing 

 almost as a deformity. This seems to occur with old cows, 

 usually those that are superior milkers, and is caused by a 

 relaxation of the muscles and ligaments connecting the 

 shoulders and front ribs. In passing on a condition of this 

 kind, the judge should be more influenced by the age and 

 general physical condition of the animal, than by the un- 



