LESSER KNOWN BREEDS OF CATTLE 825 
The limited number that have come to this country 
have been imported more for ornamental than practical 
purposes. Their appearance is more picturesque and at- 
tractive, with their extremely heavy coats of yellow, red, 
brindle or black hair, their long, spreading horns and 
their alert, active demeanor. 
372. Brahmin, Zebu or sacred cattle of India (Fig. 63). 
— While these cattle are usually thought of as exhibits in 
zoological gardens and menageries, they have some eco- 
nomic importance. In the South, especially Texas, Brah- 
min bulls are bred to native or even grade beef-bred cows 
in the belief that the one-half- or three-quarter-breds do 
better than the improved cattle on account of their greater 
resistance to parasites, flies, ticks and the heat. 
373. Simmenthal. — This is a Swiss breed named from 
the valley of the Simme. They are triple-purpose cattle 
used for milk, beef and work. It is customary to work the 
steers one or two seasons 
before they are turned 
off for beef. They are 
large, of rugged ap- 
pearance and of rather 
beefy form. The color 
is a peculiar light shade 
of fawn or drab with 
some white markings. 
374. Longhorn cattle 
(Fig. 64). — This is an 
ancient British race of 
cattle most notable on 
account of its having been the object of Robert Bakewell’s 
practice of his theories of breeding for improvement. It 
was the leading beef breed until deposed by the Short- 
iy { 
SN | 1" 
Fic. 64. — Texas Longhorn. 
