24 BEEF PRODUCTION 



characteristic in the stockers and feeders more than 

 any other that we depend upon as indicating that the 

 animal has within it the possibility of making a pnrae 

 steer. 



(b) Handling finality. Good handling quality in- 

 dicates that the possessor is a good feeder. It shows 

 that the animal is in good health or thrifty and capable 



Fig. 2. Choice Feeder. 



of beginning to gain as soon as an abundance of food is 

 supplied. We speak of cattle as possessing good 

 handling quality when the skin is mellow and loose. 

 A thick, moss\ 7 coat of hair of medium fineness and a 

 moderately thick skin are also desirable. 



3. Constitution. — The points indicative of good 

 constitution have practically been covered under Form. 

 Good constitution is indicated by a wide, deep chest, by 

 fullness in the heart-girth, depth and breadth of body, 

 and good handling quality. While we want refinement 

 of form and bone, otherwise spoken of as general quality, 



