Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1876-03-03
Cattle Breeding.

the object to be attained, whether It
shall be beet, dairy products or the pro-
duction of herd better fitted for all
purposes. This is more easily settled in
theory than in practice, and must be
determined by the farmers own judg-
ment, and by the quality Of his land.
If he wishes to breed for dairy purposes
alone his farm must be suited to the
particular wants of the dairy, producing
that quality Of feed which will cause
his products to command the highest
market price. Then his keenest dis
elimination and judgment will be re-
quired in the selection of the breed, and
must select from the one which comes
nearest his idea of perfection, being gov
erned by the records of the various
breeds for producing large quantities
and rich milk. Then in connection with
breeding stock for dairy purposes he
must manufacture a quality of butter
and cheese which will command the
highest market price or he will fail to
convince the public that he is success
full breeder.
In the selection of the class of cattle
which will produce the most beef in the
least time, there is a better chance Of
success than in any other because there
are certain breeds which approximate
perfection in this respect. In selecting
breeding stock the breeder should always
aim at the highest type of perfection
This should be an animal of moderate
size, on short legs with fine head and
neck, full in the crops and fore flank !;
these points indicate constitution, a vital
point in breeding cattle for beef, which
when combined with those prominent
points in the hind quarters from which
the most valuable meat is taken, makes
up what we should call proper type to
breed for the beef purposes. Such an
animal if well fed will give good and
early returns. As the end of all cattle
is beef the farmer should breed such, as
when they are no longer wanted for the
dairy or work can be made into good
quality of beef. If the farmers of the
state would work for improvement, the
quality of cattle would be much i'm
proved. If twenty pounds could be
added to the weight of each creature
and at the same time the animal could
be brought to maturity one year earlier
than heretofore, much would be gained
There is a class of farmers in Vermont
who raise the same quality of cattle to-
day which their fathers raised fifty
years ago. To this class belongs the
duty of improving the average animal
of the state. This improvement should
be in the direction of the best breed for
all purposes, which can be best accom-
plished by the use of thorough bred
sires. For the purpose of crossing with
our native or grade stock with the view
of producing the best cattle for all pur-
poses. Shorthorn sires must be used, as
this breed is the best for beef and excel
in beauty and early maturity, and where
ever bred for the dairy have proved
themselves equal to any.
|. K. BATcHELDER. -Shorthorns are
the best for beef. but in the present con-
dition of our pastures would perfer the
Jerseys for butter.
DEA. WARE of Townshend.-I am
the only farmer in my vicinity who
raises Jersey stock. Commenced fifteen
years ago. A few years ago the listers
could hardly be made to believe that
my Jersey cows were worth anything,
but | have made the manufacture of
butter profitable. My neighbors, who a
few years ago, would hardly have accep-
ted Jersey COW as a gift, now think
very highly of their crosses. With my
present knowledge and experience |
would not accept to keep six years a
stock of Durham cows as a gift. Gave
examples to show that the JERSEYS read.
lily run to beef 1t is said the Jerseys
are nervous, not easily domesticated, but
with me the reverse is true. Whenever
a hired man is engaged it is made con.
dition that he shall treat my cows kind.
ly.
Mr.. HUBBARD am the breeder OF
Durham stock, but can see good in other
breeds. Improvement is often DELAYED
by the bigotry of breeders He who
wishes to improve his cattle must select
from those that have been bred a lone
time in the development of the quality
desired. 1t is principle of nature thai
everything tends to deteriorate, to grow
poorer. For dairy purposes, whatever
the breed, we must select good cows
The speaker cited instances of success
full dairying with different breeds. Tn,
idea that COW consumes food or yielC
! milk according to size is a great falIacy
t Good COWS consume a large quantit,
r. &. i -