322 CATTLE 



vary greatly, ranging from small buttons to teats an inch long. 

 We have no definite knowledge regarding the significance of these, 

 some persons thinking that the larger they are the better the evi- 

 dence that the male will sire large milkers. Others have specu- 

 lated that the position of the rudimentaries indicates the placing 

 of the teats and form of fore udder on the offspring of the sire. 



The esattcheon, also known as the "milk mirror," is found 

 along the back of the thighs or between them and has attracted 

 special attention on dairy cattle only. This is shown by a line of 

 hair turning to one side or upward, in contrast to the usual down- 

 ward position of the hair. This line of reversed hair was investi- 

 gated by a Frenchman named Guenon, who argued that the 

 escutcheon indicated the capacity of a cow to produce milk. In 

 view of the fact that the extent and position of the reversed hair 

 varies alongside or above the udder, Guenon classified its occur- 

 rence, giving different names according to the prominence and 

 character shown. Modern dairy-cattle authorities attach no special 

 significance to the escutcheon, Guenon's theories not having been 

 borne out in fact. 



The quality of the dairy type is shown in the character of 

 skin and hair, size of horn, ear, and bone, and general propor- 

 tions. Under the ordinary conditions of keep for cattle of this 

 class the skin should be very mellow and pliable, thinner than 

 with beef cattle, with a shorter length of hair. No class of catde 

 show quality so clearly as do some of the dairy type, as indicated 

 by handling, there being a rich, mellow, oily feel commonly 

 associated with the skin of high-class animals. The skin also will 

 often show a yellow, oily secretion, conspicuous at the ears, 

 between the thighs, about the udder and the scrotum, and at the 

 end of the tail. 



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