Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1897-02-09
resrs AND FEEDING
VIEWED By A JERSEY NAN OF GREAT
ExrERIENcE.

There are always two sides to any
question, pro and con, which should
not unnecessarily be construed as right
and wrong, and though there may be
clearly right and wrong Id the ex-
treme Of 10th cases, the point of diver
genc, may be honestly placed differently,
depending upon the perspective or stand
point Of the contestants.
In re has uuquestiousbly advantage
accrued to the Jerseys as a breed from
the butter tests, ordinary and extraor-
dinary, made and published, as also to
those who are engaged in breeding and
selling them or their products. From
my standpoint, too, it is equally clear
to me that incalculable loss has been
sustained, not only BY Individual own
ers. but by the breed as well, In the
death Of some OF its best and most val
liable representatives-the direct result
Of more or less prolonged high pressure
feeding-and injury to the progenitive
powers Of others, as evidenced in the
failure (ln some cases, OF absolutely
total fsilurc) to produce anything ap-
prosching their quality and capacity.
Unintelligent high feeding, the
thoughtless inability to consider the
nervous organization Of milk pro-
ducer n mother, as differing from ma
chine into which can be poured given
ration and quantity to produce result
ant amount and quality verify be-
lieye there are those who would use a
crammiug stick IL by IL they could pro-
duce an ounce Of butter more per week
have unquestionsbly produced evil re-
suits. That the most careful, most in
telligent high feeding may do so, we
have illustrated af the Worlds Colum-
bisn dairy test. We ''got there" II
was worth all Il cost to the breed and
its breeders, but what cost { y In indi-
vidusls, and, presumably, to progeuitive
functions.
II must not be construed that would
criticise adversely the feeding aud
treatment Of the Jerseys at the worlds
fair. would only secure all possible
advantage from that great object lesson
and direct attention to IL merely as
confirmatory OF conclusions reached
from NV own personal experience, and
offer them for the serious consideration
Of the Thoughtful breeder and feeder.
IL Ia n well established fact that use
OF accidents can make dominant and
heriditsrily trsnsmissible, traits or
characteristics, strength or weaknesses,
that entirely unfit the progeny for the
purposes 10 which the parents were
fully adapted. You can undoubtedly
call To mind brainy children OF brainy
parents and ancestors, who, through In
herited weakness Of will or nerve"
or vital force acquired by their parents
through accident or excess In some
form before the children were born,
aud transmitted 10 them, are absolutely
incapable OF doing that which otherwise
they seem so pre-emineutly fitted for.
IL would be folly To expect great
speed for mile from race-horse, how
ever well bred, that had Inherited a
weakness in muscular force in the res
pi'a,ory organs, though able TO show
remarkable speed for quarter. IL Is
equal folly TO expect big things at the
pail and churn from COW with inher-
tied weakness OF digestive organs, that
entirely precludes the assimilation OF
food necessary for such yield, though
ticulsrly fitted 10 do so.
Overwork 10 any given function, or
gan or muscle will unquestionsbly pro-
duce weakness in that particular func-
ticn. organ or muscle, and IL follows
that phenomenal results at the pail and
churn. produced by extraordinary feed
ing may please note say may
produce a transmissible weakness In
the bovine mother, not necessarily sp-
parent, which absolutely prevents her
subsequent offspring fulfilling justidsble
expectations.
ANY feeder OF experience can recall
instances Of promising young cows from
remarkable mothers, that weaken and
fall of just as sanguine expectations
seem about TO be realized. Why Is IL:
NY experience satisfies me fully Of the
.why." The time at my disposal, as
well as the probable demand on your
valuable and limited space, prevents
further discussion on my part. Of this
Ito me- most interesting subject; other
wise, would be very glad TO present to
your readers, conclusions reached from
thought aud experience-not as new
testament, to be accepted rs feeders
gospel, but for their thoughtful consid-
Grafton, discussion, mutual enlighten-
ment and advsntsge.-GEo. I. VAN
NORMAN in Jersey Bulletin.