LIVE-STOCK SHOWS 321 



coat especially where there may be a slack spot, as in the 

 crops, while smoothing it down upon or roughing round 

 about any undue coarseness or prominence. Angus breed- 

 ing cattle, as a rule, are shown smooth while their grade 

 steers are usually shown rough if they have enough hair. 



Some beef cattle, especially the smoother coated ones, 

 are trimmed about the ears and poll, while the horns are 

 generally rubbed and polished to a fine finish. Their 

 coats are thoroughly groomed, usually blanketed, their 

 switches washed and picked out, egg shampoos and every- 

 thing possible being resorted to that might enhance the 

 handling quality of the hide and hair. 



Cattle are taught to stand squarely on their feet, a 

 careless position often giving the appearance of a low back 

 or some other physical defect, while a special pose may 

 improve the appearance of certain lines very materially. 

 Also, carrying the head to one side or the other may alter 

 the handling. They are taught to lead promptly so as to 

 make the best appearance when asked to move about. 



Even breeding beef cattle are shown in high condition, 

 about as fat as they can be made without being overdone. 



326. Dairy cattle. — Cows are shown in halters, while 

 bulls are led with rings in their noses and almost in- 

 variably by means of staffs. The coats of dairy cattle of 

 both sexes are shown as^ sleek as they can be made with- 

 out removing the secretions. Their heads, ears and tails 

 are clipped, horns polished and switches carefully hair 

 dressed. 



The too common practice of " stretching " udders by 

 deferred milking is a practice not to be countenanced. 

 Dairy cattle are taught to pose in that position which 

 shows their lines and features to best advantage. 



Regular trimming of the feet of all cattle is necessary in 



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