238 



A STVDY OF FARM AXIMALS 



The indications of quality in beef cattle are fineness of 

 bone; a silky, heavy coat of hair; a mellow, elastic skin; 

 and refinement, as seen in the head in particular, and in the 

 entire form in general. Large ears, heavy bones and joints, 

 a hard thick skin, and coarse wiry hair are all evidences of a 

 poor digestive capacity and lack of quality. In the case of 

 beef cattle, smoothness and uniformity of covering are also 

 indications of qualitj\ In the carcass, fineness of grain of 



Figure 92. — Judging beef cattle. Feeling for thickness of flank. Photograph 

 by the author. 



flesh and a good distribution of fat particles among the fibers 

 are measures of the quality of the meat. If the ribs and 

 back have lumps or rolls of fat, and the rump is also rough, 

 then the quality of carcass will be of inferior grade. Such 

 a condition should be easily observable. 



The condition of a beef animal refers to the covering of 

 flesh or degree of fatness. Thin animals are spoken of as 

 in thin condition, while fat ones are in fat condition. The 

 condition is determineil mainlj^ bj' the eye of the judge. 



