320 



CATTLE 



If the toes turn out, the animal hocks in and has a faulty confor- 

 mation. Rarely the toes turn in and the hocks bend outward, giv- 

 ing a weak and poor position to the legs. The shank bones should 

 be smooth and short, showing refinement of bone and quality. 



The tail is important mainly as a medium for protection from 

 flies. Consequently length and a heavy brush of hair are essen- 

 tial. The fleshy part should extend to the point of the hock, and 

 the brush should clear the level of the feet by two or three inches. 



Fig. 134. Midland Nellie IV, an Ayrshire cow and a fine example of dairy type. 

 From a Scotch photograph 



The root of the tail, or tail head, should carry on a line with 

 the back, showing no coarseness or special prominence, and fit 

 neatly to the end of the body. The tail as a whole is an indicator 

 of quality and should be refined rather than large and coarse. 



The udder of the dairy cow is a most important part. In form 

 it should be moderately thick, filling up well between the thighs, 

 should extend by graceful curve high up behind, and should be 

 extended well along the belly. The bottom of the udder in its 

 best form has four teats some three or four inches long, hanging 

 on the same level and placed far enough apart to be comfortably 

 grasped in the hands. When the milk is removed from the udder 

 that organ should be soft and pliable, showing much shrinkage. 



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