The Johnson City comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1916-1917, 1916-08-24
CARE IN BUYING
PURE-BREO STOCK
Valuable Suggestions TO Pro-
Spective Purchasers of Reg
iStered Animals
YOUNG BREEOERSOFTE DUPED
Mistake Is Made BY Beginners I'M
Taking on Young Animals, Also in
Many Cases When Patronizina
Spectators and Auctioneers.
(By>C. d. Lowe, Division of Extension
University of TennesseeD


University of Tennessee.)
Very often poor economy is prac
ticed in the purchase of pure-bred
livestock This is particularly true in
the case of the beginner and the young
breeder. 1t is the purpose here to
offer a few suggestions upon what
where and how to buy, which may be
of value to parties contemplating the
buying of pedigreed animals.
Due to the desire-o of the purchaser
to limit his initial outlay as much as
possible, the most common practice is
to buy very young animals. This is
usually mistake. Even when animals
so purchased prove at maturity to
have been good selections, the buyer
has too long to wait to get returns
from his investment. In the case OF
cattle, it may be from two to three
years
All immature animals are, to a Ger.
tain degree, unknown quantities, both
from the standpoint of development
and reproduction. The inexperience
of an amateur in growing pure-breds
may result in poor development in a
young animal, and as consequence a
general disappointment.
More mature animals of known type
and production can be purchased for
very little more than good young ones
cost. Young cows with caves at foot
land bred again if possible) are no
doubt the best selections to make. In
such case practically three head are
got for one price, with the least posi-
BILE chance of hidden defects.
In selecting and purchasing slres,
1t is usually best to choose a young
tried individual. Thus the offspring
may be inspected and the breeding
value largely determined. Mature an
imals more clearly demonstrate the
greater possibilities OF the breed, and
this feature is not to be overlooked
by the amateur.
Auction sales are becoming frequent
In the state. Reputable auctions are
the mediums by which values are
largely determined and constitute an
indispensable part of the industry.
Guard Against Spectators.
Spectators quite often use the auc:
ton as means of distributing their
offerings, and in such cases much eau
ton should be used in patronizing
them. General objections to auctions.
as we have to deal with them in this
state, are as follows:
l. The better class of animals are
usually not sold in this manner
q There is usually slight oppor-
tunity to inspect the offerings and
weigh values as they sell.
3. The excitement of the occasion
and the influence of the auctioneer
and his helpers are often near disas.
trous to an amateur buyer. 81
4. Auction selections are made by
the seller and limit the buyers tno
much HI
If the demand is sufficient to make
up even a small car-lot order, it will
usually be found advantageous to visit
the large breeding grounds Of the
north and west, and there visit several
locations, securing the advantage OF
pricing. When smaller
numbers are wanted, such as single |
individuals, no doubt the same adyan-
tages may be had closer home.
A few general rules pertaining to |
purchasing in general may be of value
l. Always buy animals with a
breeding guarantee.
q Always buy from breeder Of
known reliability.
3. Always use care that no disease
IS purchased (such as tuberculosis and
abortion in cattle, and hog
cholera in hogs, etc..
4. Always see the animals before
buying, If possible-also sire, dam, off
spring and others of same blood.
5. Always consider both individual
ty of the animal as well as the pedi.
gree in making selections.
6. Always buy as near home as is
possible to get useful types.