Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1903-03-03
The Breeding Problem.

There is nothing more essential con-
nected with the operations on the farm
than the proper breeding and growing Of
the stock on the same, regardless of what
the stock may be.
My purpose at this time, is to dwell
more particularly upon cattle than other
wise, and more especially upon the beef
breeds rather than those for milk alone,
although believe that the general prin-
ciples of breeding are equally as appli-
cable to the latter as to the former, with
perhaps rare exceptions.
In writing upon this subject shall
endeavor to treat it from my own stand
point, hoping however, to avoid anything
that may SAVIOR of egotism.
We are admonished to build upon a
solid foundation, not upon sand. There
is no more important factor in breeding
than this solid foundation, and this can
be maintained only by having first class
animals-both sires and dams-from
which to breed. would not be under
stood that these animals shall be per-
feet in conformation, but that they
generally, shall be of the form and quail
ty most desired, so far as these qualities
can reasonably be obtained. 1t is not
enough that each animal shall be good
individual-that is, one of good form,
size and other requisites that go to make
an animal satisfactory in appearance,
but to be safe, we must follow the line OF
breeding back, and ascertain if the ances-
try warrants the good appearance of the
individual. Here many a mistake Is
made. No one is warranted in using an
animal as a breeder simply because he
or she has fine appearance for not re-
markably infrequently, do such animals
come of ill-bred stock and should be
named sports.
Show them always as breeders. On
the other hand inferior appearing an
imals sometimes drop out from well bred
stock and yet they are not to be found
like the apparently superior ones from
badly bred stock. These ''freaks" are
generally safe breeders.
1t is not enough that we lay good
foundation. We must breed properly to
maintain the standard. To do this re-
ouires judgment, carefulness and study.
Avoid over-grown sires, they are of an
abnormal type and oftener prove disap-
pointing, as sires, than otherwise.
They generally lack force and energy.
They are characterless (if such an express
sion is not out of order) and are more
valuable for beef than breeders.
Always let the dam be larger horizon
tally, than the sire, whether in the line
of thoroughbreds, or that of cross-breed-
ing.
Avoid, however, too great contrast.
Breed up gradually to whatever point
YOU wish to gain. Guard against too
great contrast in formation as we'll as
size. Don't get the idea that because
YOU have a fine class of cows it is well
enough for you to use a "cheapish" bull.
IL YOU have only fair lot of cows
don't flatter yourself that you can raise
first class calves by coupling these cows
with bull of much repute. Much harm
is done by pursuing either course.
1t is not an unusual thing that we see
a bull at the head of herd of fine cows
whose type is far from being desirable
one and whose general characteristics
are not at all pleasing. No breeder
should be careless in the selection of his
sires. He should exercise his very best
Judgment and spare no pains in making
choice, for as it is truly said, 1.-The bull
is half the herd"
Lamentable as the fact may be, too
many bulls that are only fit for the
shambles stand at the head of herds.
"An ill-bred thoroughbred" what is
he? Not the fellow that has been bred
from noted ancestry of desirable type,
although he may not, in himself, present
all those qualities 50 characteristic of
his ancestry, but that fellow that has
been bred along a cheap line, and in
such a manner that the vital forces are
lost and stupidity, lack of force, and
intelligence, are the sure consequences.
The most prolific method of producing
this almost worthless animal is in-and-in
breeding. | believe this to be the most
disastrous method known to the art.
There may be instances when such a
course might be justitiable but these
chances are few and far between
George U Underwood, Fayette, in Lewiston
Journal.