THE TYPES 211 



229. Temperament. — The dairy cow is of a nervous 

 temperatnent compared to the lymphatic temperament of 

 the beef steer. Resourceful in nerve force, yet not restive, 

 is the ideal. Dairy temperament is indicated by evi- 

 dence of nerve force as expressed by the eye, the absence 

 of any beefy tendency, the spare condition associated 

 with dairy capacity and an open, loose-made frame, 

 especially in evidence in the chine. 



230. Dry cows. — One is often called upon to buy or 

 place cows after the conclusion of one lactation period, 

 and before they have freshened again. It is obviously a 

 more difficult task to rate them aright under such condi- 

 tions than when in full milk. The higher condition which 

 they naturally acquire when not producing must be dis- 

 tinguished from actual beefiness, and the inactive udder 

 from one of normally liniited capacity. The fat cow will 

 show it most over the back, while the beefy cow is thick 

 in the neck and thighs as well. The attachments of the 

 udder high up behind and well forward, also its texture 

 and balance may still be made out, although the form is 

 much altered and the size reduced. The placing of the 

 teats is a valuable guide in the case of the dry cow as well 

 as in the heifer. 



231. Heifer calves. — The judging of young heifers 

 involves some features not enumerated in the judging of 

 milking cows. It cannot be expected that the calf will 

 be a " perfect little cow." Like the feeder steer, she is 

 the dairy cow in prospect, and must have embraced in 

 her make-up the essential features of dairy form and func- 

 tion, such as a refined, feminine head and neck, a loose, 

 soft, sappy hide, ample chest and abdominal capacity 

 and a suggestion of milkiness in both fore and hind 

 quarters (Fig. 105). Special importance is attached to 



Digitized by Microsoft® 



