Herd Sire.

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 6747, 4 January 1932, Page 10

Herd Sire.

Many farmers at the present time arc considering the need for purchasing a new herd sire. They have had theii picscnt herd sire for three or four years and if they keep him any longer they will be faced with the question of mating him with his own daughters. They naturally hesitate to do that for although they arc aware that in-bieediog has bccu practised in'the foundation of all our modern breeds, and that some outstanding results have been obtained, still in-breeding is a dangerous tool, especially in a small herd. The first thing to do is to examine carefully the pedigree of the bull under offer. It is desirable that he should have blood lines somewhat closely related to those of the previous her! sire, and that he should have high butterfat backing. The proven bull, one whose daughters have shown their ability as oroducers, is the most desirable bull for any breeder to buy. For example, a Waikato dairyfurmcr owned the pedigree Friesian bull, Fayno Segis Paul, for a few seasons, and then sold him. He found when that bull s daughlcio came into profit that they were suen uu improvement on their dams that ins herd butterfat average increased from 176 lb to over 300 lb. per cow. Last week this farmer attended a clearing sale and purchased the bull, aLhcngti he is now. J 7 years old. Tim farmer paid 5 guineas for this proven bull, one vlio has left good type, high-producing daughters. Needless to say lie was a very pleased man to get the old bull back again into his herd. Before purchasing a bull over 4 years old it is very advisable to inspect carefully his sons and daughters. Tho daughters should be compared with their dams, not only from tho production view-point but also from that of type. A guarantee should be goi that tiic bull is sound and clean and lit for service, and ho should He sound in nis legs and feet. Most dairyfarmers prefer to purctiase young untried bulls, but all evidence favours the “proven'’ sire as being the best investment for a dairyfanner. If possible, before purchasing a young bull, the buyer should inspect his (lam, paying attention to her constitution

and general eon formation, and very special attention to her udder development and vcining. There is a reasonable prospect that a bull will throw daughters with udders resembling that of his dam. The pedigree* of the young bull should be examined to note it. the highproducing strain was not only in his ! (| alll but also in his female ancestors ! generally. .