756 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



years. As former Governor Hoard said: "It is better to grow 

 into dairy farming than to go into it." 



SELECTION OF BULLS. 



In selecting bulls to head the herd it is needless to say that only 

 pure bred sires should be used. 



Breed type and individual characteristics are entitled to due 

 consideration, yet it is difficult to prophesy by the outward looks 

 and appearance of a dairy bull what sort of calves he will beget 

 from a producting standpoint. More attention should be given to 

 the performance of his female ancestors, and especially his dam. 

 A great producing cow is very likely to reproduce her character- 

 istics through her sons, so by all means, after careful study of the 

 bull himself, his dam should be investigated — study her form, milk 

 producing machinery, and learn her record of performance. Many 

 of the best breeders of dairy cattle select bulls almost entirely on 

 the individuality and performance of the dams. However, the 

 individuality of the bull himself is important also. 



As for age, it is safe to say better results will be attained by 

 buying mature, tried bulls, although this is not the rule usually 

 followed. Bulls capable of begetting useful daughters are plenti- 



Fig-. 3. Imp. Rouge H's Son, owned by Iowa State College. First 

 prize two year old Guernsey bull at 1912 National Dairy Show. A son 

 of Rouge II of the Brickfield. 



