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Shorthorns yield a large supply of useful hides. The name, however, covers a variety of similar breeds, and the hides therefrom are rather variable in texture and quality. They tend to be greasy owing to high feeding. The
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Herefords, obtained from Midland markets, are generally excellent hides for sole and harness leathers. They give a good yield of butt pelt, a stout and smooth shoulder, and are not often greasy.
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Devons yield a good-textured and well-grown hide, but are often badly warbled. The
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Sussex cross breeds yield somewhat larger hides.
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Suffolk Red Polls, common in East Anglia, yield a good butt, and the cow hides make good dressing leather.
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Channel Island cattle yield very thin hides, but with a fine undamaged grain. Scotch hides possess deservedly the very highest reputation. The climatic conditions favour the production of a hardy race of cattle with thick well-grown hides, yielding a large proportion of butt. These hides are amongst the best obtainable for heavy leather, and particularly for sole leather.
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Highlanders,
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Aberdeen Angus,
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Galloways are typical breeds, with short neck, legs and straight backs. Cross breeds are also excellent (_e.g._
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Scotch Shorthorns ). The natural value of these hides is further enhanced by the usual care in flaying.
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Ayrshires yield good milch cows and consequently yield often a more spready hide. The Welsh breeds for rather similar reasons also yield valuable hides. The Irish
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Kerrys