8 



Farmers* Bulletin 1135. 



long hind quarters. When viewed from the rear it should present a 

 wide, deep appearance. While as much width as possible is desired, 

 it should not bo accompanied witli roughness about the shoulders and 

 the hips or hocks. The logs should be rather short, stout, and set 

 wide apart. A calf that stands high from the ground, cut up in the 

 flank, and shallow in the heart girth, has little chance of developing 

 into a useful or profitable breeding animal. 



After 3^ou have found a calf with good general appearance, have 

 some one hold it so that you can put your hands on it. This is the 

 best way to determine what are called " condition " and " quality." 

 Condition means the amount of flesh and fat the calf has. Select 

 a calf in good growing condition but not excessively fat. The beef 

 calf for breeding purposes should have great depth of natural flesh 

 and be free from roughness or coarseness in any way. By running 

 the open hand along the back and sides with a slight pressure of the 

 finger tips the amount and quality of condition may be determined. 

 A calf in proper growing condition, while not possessing the depth of 

 flesh of a mature animal, should have a smooth, even covering of firm 

 though not hard flesh along its back and sides and over the shoulders. 



Quality may be determined by the ej^e of the experienced judge, 

 but the hand may also be used to advantage. All the following 

 indicate quality: A thick coat of hair that feels soft and silky and 

 looks glossy; a loose, pliable skin that does not seem thick, rough, 

 or tightly stretched over the body ; and rather short legs that appear 

 to have strong, clean bones without roughness or coarseness. 



A calf showing early maturity, as indicated by the tendency to put 

 on an even covering of rather firm flesh, is desirable, and should be 

 selected if possible. 



Color is of little importance so long as the calf selected has the 

 approved color of the breed desired. There are, however, popular 

 shades and color markings of the different breeds, which you will 

 learn from further study of the breed selected. 



EQUIPMENT NEEDED FOR GROWING THE CALF. 



The necessary equipment to feed and care for the calf properl}^ 

 should be provided. This equipment need not l)e expensive, but it 

 should be convenient. The barn or shed in which it is kept should 

 be cool in summer and dry in Avinter. An especially warm barn is 

 not necessary, but cold winds and rain must be kept out. 



The fences around the pasture where the calf grazes should be kept 

 in good repair. Do not teach the calf to jump or be a rogue by 

 allowing it to run at large or to go through or over poor fences. It 

 is better to have a gate for it to walk through than bars to jump over. 



The calf may graze w^ith other cattle on pasture, but should be fed 

 grain separately. A bull calf should be separated from the heifers 



