HEREDITY OF TRAITS AND DISPOSITION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume I, Issue 5, 28 April 1880, Page 4

HEREDITY OF TRAITS AND DISPOSITION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS.

Breeders are fully aware of the strong probability, nay, the certainty almost, of certain points of sire and dam appearing in the progeny. We find, for instance, that if a breeder of Jerseys, "wishing to secure a " star " or a " V " in the forehead, and he selects sire and dam having those marks distinctly, he will in all probability find the same in the calf. We find that temperament and disposition are in like manner inherited. In looking over thirty years' experience with Devons, Jerseys, and grades, so suiely have traits of disposition run along down in different families, that we regard it as a law with only slight exceptions. For instance, the trait of docility. • We find in one family without exception that every heifer was remarkable for standing quietly to be milked, even from the very first, yet they were intelligent and spirited, and not wanting in life and courage. On the other hand, the habit of kicking in another family has been as constant and as persistently followed. I had a Jersey cow at one time having the habit of invariably shaking her head when any one passed her stall. I found afterward that her sire was noted for that habit, indicating a vicious disposition, which the whole family had. Every breeder well knows that traits of disposition, natural intelligence, kindness, friskiness, and ugliness are all bred along almost at will. Admitting the above to be true, we see the importance of selecting not only good physical development, but kindliness of disposition, intelligence and life, for these are all compatible and obtainable. — P. M. Augv/r, in the Wew England Homestead.