200 MANUAL OF FABM ANIMALS 



and paper-like. Feeders possessed of rough, coarse hair, 

 tight, harsh skin, rough, heavy bones with coarse joints, 

 prominent hips, and rough, open shoulders are objectionable 

 as feeders. 



Condition of the feeder. — In inspecting a lot of cattle with 

 a view to choosing feeders, it is important to note their condition 

 in respect to thrift and fleshiness. The indications of thrift 

 are a good coat of silky hair ; soft, pliable skin ; a clean and 

 mild eye ; absence of discharge from the nostrils ; and the 

 dung or excreta of proper consistency, neither too loose nor too 

 hard and dry. Thriftiness is of much importance if steers are 

 to make economical and profitable beef-producing animals. 



Other things being equal, the thinner the steer at the time of 

 beginning the feeding operations, the more rapid and the more 

 economical as well as the more profitable the gains will be pro- 

 viding, of course, that the animal is thrifty and that he has 

 not been stunted in his growth. If the animal has been 

 stunted, it is likely to prove a disappointment in the feed lot. 



Uniformity among feeders. — Cattle chosen for feeding pur- 

 poses should be of uniform age, color, type, breeding, condi- 

 tion, and quality. While such uniformity will not add to their 

 ability to take on flesh or to make economical gains, yet it 

 will add very materially to their general appearance when on 

 the market. Such a lot of fat steers will command a much 

 higher price than a similar lot of mixed colors, or of mixed 

 types, or of mixed breeding, or even of mixed ages. 



Detail characters of beef cattle 



Beef cattle are as a rule not so well trained as are dairy 

 cattle, and it is not so possible to handle them effectively, 

 yet a consideration of details is essential if one is to make a 

 success of choosing animals to feed for beef production. 



The head is usually considered a good index in the choice of 

 a feeder. It should be broad and short, as such accompanies a 



