BREEDING POINTS

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1636, 8 July 1903, Page 61

BREEDING POINTS

None of tbe mares that are used for breeding purposes are perfect, nor are tbe stallions ail that could be desired, and the breeding problem is not simply to increase tbe horse censusj but to mate with tbe object- of securing an animal that will approach a little nearer perfection than either of its parents. 111 this connection type is the first broad consideration. Ail tbe talk that is being indulged in about type is not the effervescence of tneoryladen brains, but has its origin and excuse for existence in the observation of such matings as are all too frequently practised throughout the country, the draughty mare to a carriage stallion, or the big rangy-road mare to a “flashy weed,” in order to get a little speed, being quite common practices. A disregard of the importance of typo has worked us a lot of harm in breeding, and a proper appreciation of its importance is essential to improvement.

Of no less importance in breeding than type is soundness. Spavins, curbs, ringbones, blindness, etc., are not always directly transmitted the offspring, but the tendencies to these weaknesses are as surely found in the colt of such affected parent as are any of the normal peculiarities. Soundness is of such significance in breeding that •either stallion or mare that cannot be passed as absolutely sound had better not bo bred at all. The possiblecy of getting a sound colt from such a par-

ent i<» exceedingly problematical, and unsound .horses are plentiful enough l . A farmer not adept at detecting such deficiencies in stallions might do well to ask his veterinarian’s advice before breeding. The third consideration before finally mating is size or substance. In all classes ihe object is to attain the maximum size allowable in that class. Big draught, 'big carriage, big driving horsef are all wanted, but size and substance should not be confused with excessive fatness. There is a difference between substance and fat in horses that requires the exercise of the hand and t-hd “grey matter” to detect. There is 0 certain firmness and compactness about the fiesh of a horse of good substance that appeals to the eye and tbe touch. Ils exact character as compared with fat can well be appreciated by compare ing the firm, elastic muscles of the neck with t-h 9 fat- on the rib of a liigb-ly-fed horse. A tendency to produce muscle is transmitted, and, consequent*!* I>, should be highly valued. It is at onco evident, therefore, that size and weight should not bo determined alto&ou v ier by the measure and the scaled. Breeding is a great science when intelligently pursued, but discriminate matings are too full of the element of chance; therefore, study to kuow the forces that make for perfection in the horse, and to avoid those that tend to deterioration.—“Farmers’ Advocate.”