lo Aug., 1908.] Tlic Breeding of the Dairy Cow. 465 



indicating that it encloses a large, strong spinal cord. Nerves branch off 

 from this cord between each of the sections of the backbone and the 

 larger these nenes, the more open are the sections, and further apart 

 the ribs. This gives the dairy cow the appearance of being long- 

 bodied, and of having a relaxed appearance. The ribs should spread 

 out widelv so as to give the carcass as globular a form as possible and 

 to show the essential growth of the wedge-shaped body. The general 

 lean appearance of the profitable dairy cow indicates that the whole 

 •organization, with its nerve force and digestive capacity, is engaged in 

 rapidly converting all foods eaten into milk. 



The thighs should be somewhat thin, with a slight tendencv to 

 crookedness. The high and arched flank is a characteristic of the good 

 milker, as is the low and straight flank of the beef cow. The loin 

 should be broad and strong, with hips wide apart, the back bone rising 

 quite high between them, indicating plenty of room for the organs of 

 maternitv — a prominent spine, ending in a distinct pelvic arch, is evidence 

 of strong nerve force and a roomy chamber for the womb. The tail 

 should be thick at the upper part, tapering to a fine point and should 

 leach over the hock like a plumb line; the more it tapers the more it 

 •denotes good breeding. 



Udder. — This should be of sufficient size to contain a good supply of 

 milk; but not too flesh v. The skin should be thin and free from 

 Jumps, and coarse hair. The teats ■should be of moderate size, at equal 

 distance from one another and nearly the same size from the udder as 

 towards the point — a funnel-shaped teat is decidedlv objectionable and 

 is an indication of a tough milker. A cow that is a heav\ milker must 

 necessarilv develop a large udder. If free from fleshiness, and other 

 deformities, the size of the udder is one of the most reliable indications 

 of efficiencv in a dairy cow. As the milk-giving organs can be con- 

 sidered onlv with reference to their feel and external appearance, and 

 as the bulk of the udder is often onlv a mass of bulky tissue, the 

 vield of milk will often be very deceptive in proportion to the size of the 

 lidder. Frequently, two cows with apparently the same sized udders 

 from outward apj^earance will, when milked, show a ver\- great contrast 

 in results obtained, the difference being caused bv the greater or less 

 diversity of the tissue of which thev are composed. It is therefore 

 obvious that success depends upon the productive capacity of the indi- 

 vidual cow, rather than upon anv particular breed, inasmuch as there 

 are such wide variations in different cows of the same breed in regard 

 to the amount and qualitv of the milk thev produce. 



It is not always an easv matter to judge a good dairy cow from the 

 shape and size of the udder, or from the conformation and external ap- 

 pearance. The only reliable wav to arrive at the true merits of any 

 dairy cow is to estimate her value bv the use of the Bateock tester and 

 by keeping an accurate record of the number of pounds of milk she gives. 

 This alone will not be a guarantee that you have been fortunate in 

 selecting a good cow as the important questions arise, " How long has 

 the cow the power to continue the flow of milk during the period of 

 lactation?" "Whether she has a strong constitution?'' as these in- 

 dicate the power of reproducing calves equal or better than herself. 

 These factors — apart from the records of regular milk vields per dav. 

 or the actual pounds of butter fat produced — must be determined bv the 

 practical exjierience of the buyer in selecting a dairv cow by external 

 •conformation only. It is not an uncommon experience to find large 



