SESSION 



Improved Live Stock Breeders' 



Association. 



January 8-9, 1907. 



LIMITATIONS OF BABY BEEF PRODUCTION. 



(H. J. Waters, Dean of the College of Agriculture, Oolumbla, Mo.) 



Two quite independent classes of cattlemen are vitally interest- 

 ed in the subject of baby beef. One is the breeder and raiser of 

 cattle ; the other the man who fattens them or fits them for market. 

 In other words, the cattle breeder on the one hand, and the profes- 

 sional feeder on the other. 



It is from the view point of the professional feeder alone that 

 this subject is on this occasion presented. To discuss it from the 

 standpoint of both parties would be quite beyond the scope of a 

 single address. To deal with this subject from the view point of the 

 cattle raiser is reserved for a future discussion. 



For many years the teachers and writers on agricultural topics 

 have been strong advocates of baby beef. The professional feeder, 

 whose livelihood depends upon his success in this business, has con- 

 tinued to show a decided preference for older cattle. The teachers 

 and writers have based their opinions on the results of experiments 

 that have been somewhat numerous and extensive, and, at first 

 glance, unimpeachable. The feeder has based his judgment upon 

 extensive experience covering many years and with large numbers 

 of cattle. 



It is scarcely to be supposed that both parties to this contention 

 are right. Nor is it to be taken for granted that the man whose 

 position is sustained by practical experience alone is necessarily the 

 one who is wrong. 



