BREED DIFFERENCE IN COWS. 



35 



In 1865, 1 and my brothers purchased "Waushakun Farm," 

 in Framingham, INIiddlesex Co., and procured the very best 

 native cows we could find, continually disposing of poor cows 

 and replacing them by better, and breeding in stock. 



In 1866, with an average of 35.7 cows, we produced 2,160 

 quarts per cow, on an average. 



In 1867, with an average of 36.3 cows, the average yield 

 per cow was 2,229 quarts. , 



In 1868, with an average of 27.4 cows, the average yield 

 per cow was 1,850 quarts. 



The average yield for the three years, from thirtj^-three 

 cows, was 2,079 quarts per cow. 



We then imported some Ayrshire cows, and these, with 

 other Ayrshires purchased in this country, comprised our 

 herd for the next three years. As we were now breeding, 

 we had to change our system of feed. A system which would 

 allow us to send a cow to the butcher when injnred, would 

 never answer with a breeding herd of valuable animals. 



In 1870, average number of cows, 19.8 ; average yield per cow, 2,616 qts. 



1871, " " " 18.7; " " " 2,300 " 



1872, probable " " 13 probable " " 2,853 " 

 Probable average number of cows for 3 years, 17. 



Probable average yield of milli -per cow, 2,588 quarts. 



I say " probable," because the year is not yet ended. It 

 cannot be far from correct, however. « 



The years 1870 and 1871, it will be remembered, were 

 years of extreme drought, and very unfavorable to pastures. 



As a matter of interest, I will state here, that Mr. Miles, of 

 Fitchburg, who makes a very candid and apparently fair rec- 

 ord of his herd of 9.3 cows for three years, gives his average 

 as 2,587 quarts per cow per year. 



I shall now represent the facts I have deduced in another 

 form : 



Possible Average. 



Average of best 

 Dairies. 



Common Average. 



Natives, 

 Ayrshires, 



2,300 quarts. 

 3,000 " 



1,800 quarts. 

 2,500 " 



1,300 quarts. 



2,000 " 



