THE CHOICE OF A BULL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3382, 8 January 1919, Page 8

THE CHOICE OF A BULL.

One must always baar in mind that the bull represents potentially what the herd will be in a period of from three to six years; hence his offspring in that time will have reached maturity, and most of the present herd, having passed on, -will be replaced by the get of this very bull. Consequently he must be studied critically from the standpoint of merit and fault. The intimate study of a few excellent eires in regard to the "head and neck is, perhaps, the best way to get a clear idea of their characteristics, which it is almost impossible adequately to put in language in general appearance good size is desired in dairy bulls. This will vary with the breed. Extreme size is not desired. The bull that» for his breed is at the extreme in size is a wide variation from the standard* He represents an extreme, and extremes are seldom if ever satisfactory to breed from. A bull must be stylish and symmetrical. He must have a straight, strong topline, and he must have a lofty, vigorous carriage. He must show quality in hair, in hide, and in bone. He mast stand squarely on his legs, and wale actively and squarely. He must show great strength of chest, in depth, fullness at the elbows, and in spring of rib. He must have a properly-sprung long rib. He will usually show a trimmer barrel, with less paunchiness, than does a good cow. , Extreme depth of abdomen usually militates against usefulness in a bull; nevertheless, a bull must not be light of flank and shallow in body-depth. Because of bis greater size, a bull will show no more constitution and more digestive capacity than a good cow; but the bull will show a rather greater chest capacity than a)dominal capacity; while with cows this condition usually is reversed. His loin should be similar to that of the cow. though there is generally less width in the rear parte. Seldom if ever is a bull found that is too wide at the hips or in the rump. The rump should be long and level, the pin bones high and wide apart, the tailhead should come out squarely, and the tail "be attached high. The thighs should be thin and the twist open and high. Masculinity (says J. A. M'Lean in the American Field), which means strong sexual development, is a very important factor in bulla. It is expressed most in the development of the head, neck, and shoulders, and is one of the rvisible assurances that the animal will be. a reliable breeder. It is most pronounced in bulls over three years of age. In a lesser way it shows itself in younger bulls at an early age, and is always a very desirable trait. Because of the importance of the -factor of masculinity much study should be given to the front of bulls. The dairy bull has a rather long face, with excellent width between the eyes and in the forehead. The eyes should he prominent and alert, yet kindly. There should be an expression of fearlessness and vigour, yet good temper. The long structure surrounding the eye is strongly developed, giving a slight dish to the forehead, and combined with the thicker growth of hair on the forehead -gives an expression of strength and burliness. The horn should be. strong, rather large, but not coarse. The sides of the face should be clean, the muzzle large, the nostrils' large, and the lips strong. The jaw should be deep. The neck should be of good length and well crested, clean at the throat-latch, and free ;from undue development of dewlap. The shoulders should lie in smooth, with the vertebrae extended above them at the withers. There is and must be a stronger development of the front parts of all bulls, with a freedom from coarseness. Emphasis must be placed on a bull's style and carriage, whether standing or in motion. His legs should be squarely placed under him. Behind he should not " stand under," as so many bulls do; neither should his hocks be set closely together. It is not desirable to have him toe out in front. One finds usuallv that a bull which toes out is turned in at the elbows, and is consequently insufficiently filled in the fore flank, and is lacking in heart-girth. The correct posture of the legs and correctness in the standing position are factors of growing importance abroad. The placement of limbs in bulls is recognised as a factor influencing the style, vigour, and smart action of these animals.

Walking on the staff a bull should go forwai'd with strength and keenness. Any bull that has to be dragged about by its leader instead of pulling the handler along with him has either reached the stage of senility, when he should be "potted," or else is and always has been lacking in masculine vigour and, vitality. A sluggish, inactive bull, whether young or old, fe an undesirable bull. In his walk the bull should not weave. He should go forward as a horse, well collected and freely. In all breeds a head carried well up upon a neck of good length and high,

graceful setting is always to be preferred. This is obtained, perhaps, more frequently in Ayrshires and Jerseys, but should bo insistently demanded in bulls of all breeds.