STOCK BREEDING.

Otago Witness, Issue 1813, 20 August 1886, Page 6

STOCK BREEDING.

The purpose of these papers is to impress on the ordinary breeder of stock the imperative necessity of the exercise of precaution in the selection of the Jprogenitors, and especially the male. In this climate, and more particularly as regards cattle and sheep, hardy constitutioned animals are a primary consideration. Shorthorns are in growing disrepute, because of late years in the show-yards — where sound judgment should prevail — and elsewhere, the true conformation of the animals, which betokens robust constitution and thrift, is rarely recognised. A false ideal has been established, and the fancies, prejudices, and predilections are confined to the merits of the " top line," the " depth of brisket," with varied consideration in regard to the head of the animal. The quality of hair, and the touch are loudly insisted on, although means are often employed to increase the growth of the one while the latter is a variable quantity very much affected by the course of feeding. The depth of brisket is another too-common fad, for it is commonly associated with imperfections in the vital parts around. Unless carried wide and "well forward" the neck vein is meagre and there is a curve upward and back towards the chest, affording no lung capacity and always associated with flat ribs and bad fore-shoulder points. There may possibly be a " neat top" on such a beast, and that catches the eye and empties the pockets of numberless purchasers. Breeders of "pedigree" cattle are pleased to' follow their fancy, but those who desire to breed up the improvement of their stock should discard the too-popular notions about points, and select " big-hearted" well-middled bulls for their purpose. The rule applies equally to all the pure breeds of cattle but the short horns of the day are more deficient in what may properly be called the vital essential of girth than are either the Herefords or polled Angus. The class of cattle-breeders for whose benefit these observations are intended, must bear in mind that much greater discrimination is now exercised in the selection of stores than formerly. It has been discovered by feeders that only goodbeastscanbe fed' up to sell at a profit; and the really good judges of store cattle know pretty accurately what they will feed up to, and the cost. The saving is proverbial that there is but little to be made out of cattle fattening, but there is a scarcity impending, and that, too, throughout these colonies, as anyone who has given the .subject attention must perceive, and before well-bred young stock will be fit for market the class will be at a premium. Grade cattle, to use an Americanism, a.ro good alike for dairy

or fattening purposes, so that a judicious investment in breeding them promises well even in the face of existing dull times. Having secured a good bull, the farmer, at the end of three or four years will have doubled the value of his stock, though he may not have added to the usual number kept. The common practice of allowing the bull to run in the pastures with the cows should be avoided when possible. Young bulls have their tempers spoiled in this way, and until got rid of are a trouble and a danger. Another common error is committed in over-taxing the services of young bulls. At a year old, a young beast may be used moderately if well fed, but care must be observed that the services be so restricted that the healthy development of the physical powers of the animal be not retarded. If the view be correct that the sire exercises the principal influence-on the progeny, it must follow that the bull should possess robust vital energy, and this no over-taxed or neglected animal can have. So well is this understood that in some of the Western States of America, a law is in force which compels owners of ranches to keep a prescribed number of bulls proportionate to the cows on the run .and recently one very extensive proprietor was heavily fined for the non-observance of the regulation. In sheepbreeding the same principles have to be observed in the selections for improvement purposes as in other live stock, regulated, of course, by the conditions and purposes which affect the individual farmer and grazier. The choice of rams is now wide, and the breeder has only to be scrupulously particular in his selection of the best of the particular breed he elects to patronise. Fashionable breeds- and prices no longer prevail, and sheepbreeders can now obtain, without unwarrantable expense, rams of the breed which, after mature consideration, he concludes will best suit his purpose. Circumstances of soil, average temperature, and shelter must always guide the breeder in his choice of rams, whereas the grazier or dealer has only to regard temporary considerations. The value of pure-bred rams has so greatly fallen that they can now be obtained at from £3 to £5, and it should be unnecessary to urge that crossbred sires should on no account be used. Choice bred merinoes were lately disposed of at the Sydney sales for as little as £7 per head, a price that scarcely paid the carriage to market; and in this colony long-wool rams may be had for less money. While merinoes may continue to hold the position on rangy country, it is perfectly clear that the British breeds of sheep will pay better on all low-lying land. Their crosses give a fleece of moderately good quality, and the growing disposition in favour of the long-wool sheep and their crosses is due to the | experience that a 20-month-old sheep of the class has supplied, a fleece, and will give a 651b to 701b carcases of mutton. Still more favourable | results would be realised were shelter provided. I Three or four days' exposure in such weather I as has been experienced lately would waste I fattening sheep and kill many thousands of lambs.