Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1912-01-30
ABERDEEN ANGUS CATTLE
FOR BEEF PRODUCTION

An unusual degree Of interest has been
evidenced quite recently in Aberdeen An
gus cattle throughout the south. and some
suggestions concerning their origin, his
tory and adaptability win no doubt be ap-
preciated by q good many farmers who
are now thinking OF turning their atten-
ton 10 beef husbandry.
This breed originated in the northern
part OF Scotland They are q very old
breed OF cattle The term Angus Dod-
dies By which they are sometimes known
even now gives striking evidence Of their
origin, and indicates they have been
poIled or hornless for many generations.
Since the section OF Scotland from which
they originated lies fully Loo miles north
OF the latitude OF Chicago. the climate Of
their native country is cold and damp,
and the land being billy or mountainous,
they are wei suited for grazing although
they are fed extensively. and are now
regarded as one OF the best breeds for
stall feeding maintained IN the United
States. The habitat from which they
came and the environment to which they
are accustomed would not indicate their
special adaptability for use throughout
the south. where our summers are much
warmer and we have comparatively little
winter; yet when introduced the breed
has given q good account OF itself and
seems to cross well with the native stock.
Possibly. this breed could not be consid-
cred as active as the Hereford and not
quite so attractive in appearance on &C
count Of their color markings. For this
reason they may not attain the populari-
~ which the Hereford now seems TO en-
Joy. a~ %
The Aberdeen Angus breed was estab-
lished many years ago; certainly as far
hack as 1T52 there is record Of their es-
Enlistment as a breed. and Youatt, the
most famous historian Of the cattle Of
Great Britain. says there have always
been polled cattle IN Angus The breed
was introduced into the United states by
= George Frant, OF Victoria. Kan, about
1S73- About the same time this breed was
brought TO the Ontario Agricultural col
Iege at Guelph. Canada From that date
they spready slowly into various parts
OF the United States and Canada The
energy and faith displayed by some Of
the early breeders and their many win
nings at the International Stock show
have served to cause their more general
dissemination and growth in public IA
vor during recent years This breed
differs somewhat from the ShorthOrn
and Hereford. First OF all, IL is a
poIled or hornless breed and the body Is
more cylindrical. though compactness is
strong feature The head is well form
ed and impresses one as belonging TO a
type Of animal which will make a good
feeder. The neck is smoothly attached
70 the head. and the body has q rounded
rather than square turn OF rib The
ribs show good depth and are usually
smoothly fieshed- There is a tendency
for the back to dip somewhat at the
wethers; while the top has relatively
great depth and Is set On short legs.
A. a. fha
dump and tailhead as with some other
breeds. While this breed was originally
Of a variety OF cOlors, all but the black
ones are now regarded with disfavor. and
the breed may be said to be essentially
black in color. The glossy coats OF we'll
fed and handled animals makes them un-
usually attractive
In quality this breed ranks among the
very first The coats are soft and elias
tic. the skin of medium thickness. and
the hair fine and glossy. The joints and
bones are relatively small. while the
temperament is good. though they are
probably somewhat more nervous and ac-
tive than the Shorthorns. In weight the
breed compares well with other improved
strains. Mature bulls weigh from 1,S00
to 3eO0. and the COWS from loo to 100
pounds. In crossing or grading on ma
tive stock these animals take high place,
DutlS OF this uree1 having Deen USED on
common OF native COWS with great sue
cess for the production OF grade animals
TO be finished as beef. Undoubtedly. this
breed win become more popular through
out the south as it's excellent qualities
become known. though as II now appears
that beef can be made more cheaply on
grass than in the stall, this villa no doubt
prove somewhat OF a drawback to its
general dissemination. One OF its strong
points is 10 lay on flesh evenly and uni
fOrmly and thus produce a butchers car
cass OF exceptional smOOthness and quail
ity.
The winnings Of this breed in the in
ternational fat stock show date back 70
1899 when watson showed a pair OF OK
en- which attracted much attention. In
1867 Black Prince won the highest hon.
ors al Birmingham, England's famous
show. while in recent years, as already
indicated. Aberdeen Angus steers have
won first place and honor, not only in