McNairy County independent. (Selmer, McNairy County, Tenn.) 1902-1969, 1916-05-05
CARE IN BUYING
PURE.DREO STOCK
Valuable Suggestions to Pro-
spectiye Purchasers OF Reg
iStered Animals
YOUNG BREEDERsOFTEN
Mistake Is Made BY Beginners In
Taking on Young Animals, Also in
Many Cases When Patronizing
Spectators and Auctimeers.
'(By c. d. Lowe, Division of Extension,
University of Tennessee.)

t(By c. d. Lowe, Division of Extension,
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 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 II sg:S~ws;i puT e- ffetis
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 calves at foot
(and 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 sires,
1t is usually best to choose young
tried individual. Thus the offspring
may be inspected and the breeding
value largely determined. Mature an.
iInals 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.
tion as means of distributing their
offerings, and in such cases much eau
tion should be used in patronizing
them. General objections to auctions
as we have to deal with them in this
state, are as follows:
/. The better class OF animals are
usually not sold in this manner.
2. There is usually slight oppor-
tunity to inspect the offerings and
weigh valnss as they sell.
8. The excitement of the occasion
and the influence of the auctioneer
and his helpers are often near disas.
trous to an amateur buyer.
4. Auction selections are made by
the seller and limit the buyers too
much.
II the demand is sufficient to make
up even a small car-lot order, 1t 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 advan.
tages. may be had closer home.
A few general rules pertaining to
purchasing in general may be of value:
1. Always buy animals with a
breeding guarantee.
2. Always buy a breeder of
known reliability.
8. 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, II possible-also sire, dam, off.
spring and others Of same blood.
5. Always consider both individual
Ity Of the animal as well as the pedi.
gree In making selections.
6. Always buy a. near home ~ 10
posslbla to set useful types,