THE DAIRYMAN’S COW.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXVII, Issue 3330, 12 January 1898, Page 1 (Supplement)

THE DAIRYMAN’S COW.

The cow may possess all the markings of superiority, such as perfect escutcheon, largo udder, well-shaped teats, etc., but the chief point is her capacity to consume and digest a large quantity of food, as it is from the food that sho produces milk and butter; hence it may truly be said that to know a cow well she must bo examined interna'ly, so as to judge anil score her heart, lungs, liver, and stomach, which ia not possible ; but dairymen are content to form a favourable opinion of a cow in that respect if -she has a deep body, indicating the possession of large digestive organs. Long experience has taught progressive dairymen that a cow having a wedgeshaped form, the rear being wide, tho udder large and extending well both front and back, witli the teats set regularly and well apart, is usually one that will not disappoint her owner ; but, as the individuality of the animal is also a factor in tho breed, the disposition, freedom from disease, and quality of the product must also be considered, especially as no two cows are alike, and the quantity and quality of the milk and butter may vary with the same individual daily. The calf should also conform to tho shape of the cow, and even the embryo udder will give some indication of its future. An experienced breeder gives this rule for judging a cow or calf by its appearance : —.With the eye measure the distance from tho tail about half way down the rump, as it drops straight down, to the rear line of the thigh, and the greater the distance between those points and the more curving of the thigh, the better the cow. The hips must curve away from the tail as an indication of a good milker.