DAIRY HERDS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 15 July 1925, Page 3

DAIRY HERDS

sELE(TIN(Tof cows I’OI.NTS EUR ATTENTION I I'f' question of select ing cows for the dairy herd tvus deiilt with by (I. O. 11 umphrev. head i>l the Niiimai llusL>;ii .iii v depart incut. I Diversity el' Wisconsin.. at the la.st Ameriiau itairy ern-.-rvss. the billowing paragraphs are •r< m bis address: ! relitalile dairy , "" f it 1C highly artificial in contrast "'lth the natural and the average raw

< I the bovine rare. Their production under present-day conditions, when milk must be product,l in large and economical quantities, demands'a rigerotu- selection at all times based on intelligent and painstaking methods. Uon-hi-rinat ion as only i.ne m tin- indexes of merit an the part of a dairy cow. Dairy conformation of the parts'of l‘nr body al the dairy cow bear a relationship u> nee another and to her functional activities in a manner correlative cam formations with mdk production i.tp.nitv. Dairy coidormaDoti and the inherent milk production tendencies in improved dairy nreeds ul cattle have became pronnuneed and definite to the extent that they may lie q.uite readily recognised. 1 ic high regard for beauty and the desirability ot suitable size, age. health, vigor and disposition. and abnormal charactrs in cattle, attach a high degree ot importance to a careful study of conformation in choosing cows lor dairy purposes. VALUE OF MILK RECORDS

j The value of the milk sale and butj feilat tester cannot be over-estimated as ■ a moans of selection in building Die most profitable lu-rds. A milk record, even fur only seven days, has been found to he two and a half times as good tin indication of a cow’s ability lo produce milk as any of the physical pares, or combination of parts, of her conformation. It is true, nevertheless that, there arc a vast number of instances in which dairymen must depend upon conformation in tlm selection of cows, and in no instance can one afford to select, and build a herd without regard tor it. Keen power of observation and judgment, combined with knowledge of Die parts and characteristics of an ideal dairy cow, render one proficient in the scloeivn of cows by eMilormathin.

’I he contrast between welt-developed and efficient types ul beef and dairy cattle respectively form a good basis •or the study or selection of dairy cows by conformation. In the case, of underfed, poorly-developed cattle conformation is of comparatively little value, in the determination ot merit. I mler such conditions chance judgment, pedigree or record production all have to serve. Dairy cattle tend to be triangular or wedge-shape in outline, while heel cattle tend to he rectangular. Ihe wedge-shape outline is significant in that the base end of the wedge-like body indicates roomy feed or body capacity and large udder capacity, while the sharp end in the region o*° the withers and neck reveals an absence of flesh development, indicative of dairy temperament, or the disposition to convert feed into milk rather than heed, heed capacity anil temperament are two of the important charJicteristics of a dairv cow.

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS Well-developed milk organs, including the udder and mammary veins are a highly essential characteristic of good dairy cows, (food size and quality are most important considerations in judging Ihe udder. Such udders with uniformly well-developed quarters, and with teats of convenient size, are most ideal, 'lhe mammary or "milk veins,’ should be prominent and tortuous, and carry well forward to wells or openings through the wall cf the udder side of

the body. The appearance of veins over the udder and on the face of the cow are further evidences of a strong eircuJalory system of blood, important to mi lk secretion. Evidence of impaired health and low vitality by a narrow condition of the head and body, small nostrils, contracted, listless eyes, a harsh, dry, stiff or papery hide, and staring coat, detract materially from the nv.lk productive capacity of a cow. There should he evidences of perfect health and vigor, ijtyle and beauty of outline in the dairy cow please the eye of the owner and the buyer, and have a monetary value. Such qualities may not affect milk production, hut are worth while to consider in building a herd. Mon when own the most successful dairy herds are keen observers and good judges of 'cows by conformation. 1 hey appreciate records of production to know most accurately the milk production of their cows, hut would not divorce judgment by confirmation in building their herds.