GROWING AND FITTING CATTLE FOR KXIIIlilTION 305 



performance in the near ancestry will be at once ap- 

 parent. The expectation may also be legitimately 

 cherished, that the progeny of highest promise will 

 come from parents approximately or full mature, and 

 moving toward or at but never much beyond the zenith 

 of development. The dam should also be maintained in 

 that condition which is most favorable to normal de- 

 velopment of the kind wanted ; that is, she must be main- 

 tained in vigorous health and in that condition of flesh 

 that will furnish a reserve in the system from which 

 some materials may be drawn to feed the young calf 

 after birth, but without being present in a degree that 

 will in any way hinder development before birth. 



The indications at birth are not absolutely safe guides 

 as to future possible development, but they are of con- 

 siderable value, more especially when viewed from the 

 negative standpoint ; that is, when they are viewed from 

 the standpoint of unsuitability. Such evidences include 

 undersize, undue smallness of bone, too much flatness 

 of rib, and too much length of limb. Usually, however, 

 such positive indications are present as are furnished 

 by robust and symmetrical development, accompanied 

 by much depth and width of body, straightness of top 

 and bottom lines, and strength and mellowness of skin. 

 The evidences of much capacity for development can 

 be secured with unfailing certainty after some days or 

 weeks of actual demonstration through the growth made. 

 This explains why it is possible to secure animals in 

 herds where such production is not especially sought, 

 and even among calves from the range that are being 

 grown for baby beef. 



The character in the development sought in the 

 various classes of animals reared will vary. With 

 animals of the dairy types, a high condition of flesh is 

 not essential to preparedness for exhibition, but it may 

 count rather against than for the chances that the 

 animal will win in the competition. It may be inter- 



