Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1854-08-03
ID ohes.s . GOoa Mlleh Cow.


a,.srmins the formation Of thebrseds. and due G
n.TtIv 70 the climate, the soil, the air. and the
blsnss Of the countries where the breeds have
oaiIe;iiua.sd, sad must. therefore, vary in our
different breeds Of horned cattle with the hygi'
Suiie conditions peculiar to each locality.
Mixers, and more especially snimals inten-
dsd fOl breeding, must always be selected
smonT breeds celebrated for abundance of milk.
Not that We can hope to import into our de-
psrsments, with dry and warm climate, all
tie qualities Of the excellent milking breeds
possessed by countries in which the soil is fer
lie, the air moist, and the sky cloudy; but, as
The influence Of climate, though very marked,
take effect only in the lOng-run, the properties
Of the animals imported are maintained
though SUBJECT, doubtless, to gradual deteriora-
tiOn-during period which varies with the
precautions taken to preserve them; and for
several generations the descendants of the in
dividuals Of a good imported breed give more
milk than individuals belonging to breed for
med on the spot, when hygienc circumstances
are not favorable to milking properties.
It's not to be forgotten, moreover, that under
Ire influence Of particular circumstances, which
III sometimes impossible to call into existance,
animals manifest properties which we cannot
produce daily. This explains why it is often
more advantageous to import qualities posses
ssd by foreign stock, than to try to develop
them in native stock.
Here we deem it sufficient to observe that
good milking breeds are distinguished by soft
and supple skin, and by tissues rather relaxed
than rigid; are not hardy or fit to bear fatigue
(swesting easily, and falling rapidly off when
put to work. are difficult to keep, seldom fat,
and have often little flesh on the buttocks.
pEcExT'--As milking qualities are, in
great measure, depending upon structure ant
temperament, which are more or less heredita'
ry. descent exercises great influence.
In each breed, therefore we should choose
individuals belonging to the best stocks, and
the offspring Of parents remarkable for then
milking qualities, for it is certain that good
milk cows produce others which resemble
them.
It should be our object, then, as far as pos
sible. to obtain COWS engendered by youngist
bulls, whatever be the race to which they
belong.
But il is, especially, when selecting stock fol
the purpose Of breeding milk cows, that par
ticular care should be taken 10 select individu
als beiongingt to good families. A COW not
good milking family, or even breed, may oc
cAsionally be an excellent mixer, and NOR
than this is not wanted when it is not mean
10 breed from her. The same cannot be sa
when breeding is intended, because ther
would be little chance Of her transmitting tn
accidental, or exceptional qualities possesse
by her; whereas the qualities forming the fixe
and constant characters of the stock would
almost to certainty, be transmitted to descer
dents.
These remarks with regrad to breed an
parentage, apply to the selection ofthe bul
which, as experience demonstrates, acts, like
COW, in transmitting the milking qualitie
which distinguish the breed and stock.
SHAPE-Active mammary glands are seldol
found united the graceful rounded form
which constitute what is vulgOrly called beau
iu uquadrupeds but frequently good mixers hay
sharp points, and appear more or less loose ar
Aabby. In regard to bony structure, The
may be as well formed as cows remarkable f
their readiness to fatten, or ability to worl
but, being seldom in plump condition. the
seem learn and raw-boned.
CoxsTIruTIoN.--lt is desirable that the sp
cial marks which Indicate great activity
the milky GLANDS, and, consequently, goo
mixer should be united with those which in
ply good constitution: These are lar
lungs, q broad and prominent chest, som
what low respiration, an abdomen of modera
dimensions, . good appetite, and great inc
nation TO dripk--an inclination stimulated
The abundant secretion Of milk. Such cows e
much, digest easily, and breathe we'll; th,
make good blood, This fluid gives activity
the nervous system, makes all the organs live
and furnishes the glands with the materials
; copious secretion. Cows possessing the
propsrties lost long give much milk. and, wh
Ihsy become dry, soon fatten.
GRkxsAL APPEARANcE.-ln all breeds,
preference should be given to cows which
farm arc the farthest removed from that
bulls; TO COWS with small bones, fine and sl'
der limbs. and tail whi:h is fine 81 its ba
= small but longish head, narrowing towa
the horns; the horns themselves of br
color, tspsring fuely, and glistening; asup
and soft unc- tuOus skin,cOyered, even to
forehead, with erect, glossy. soft hair, and ?