LECTURE LXXXII. 



INFLUENCES AND CAUSES OF FECUNDITY. 



The percentage of increase in the breeding flock or herd is 

 an important matter. In many instances it determines in no 

 small way the profits or losses accruing from the breeding 

 establishment. It is of vital importance in the horse breed- 

 ing business that the percentage of increase should be high. 

 The same is true in the cattle, sheep and swine breeding oper- 

 ations. It has a double influence in the case of the dairy 

 cow, where the value of the calf and the product of the cow 

 must both be considered. This being the case, we can readily 

 see the importance of giving every attention possible to the 

 maintenance of a high standard of productivity in the herd, 

 stud or flock. 



The regular bringing forth of young freely and abundantly 

 in the case of those animals which produce more than one 

 at birth is known as fecundity. It differs from prolificacy 

 in that the latter is used generally with reference to the 

 number of offspring only at one birth, while the fecundity 

 covers the ground of regularity as well as the numbers at one 

 birth. It differs from fertility in that fertility refers only to 

 an animal being in condition to produce young, not necessarily 

 producing regularly as is implied by the fecundity. By fecun- 

 dity we mean regular breeding, free or easy breeding, and 

 large numbers at one birth in the case of those animals which 

 produce more than one. It is the very opposite of sterility 

 or any inclination toward barrenness. It is usually applied to 

 females, but is in a measure applicable to males as well, as 

 they no doubt have an influence in this respect. 



The reproductive powers of animals are easily influenced. 

 A full understanding of the causes which may adversely in- 

 fluence fecundity should be of value to the stockman, so that 

 he may avoid those causes so far as possible in his breeding 

 operations. 



One of the most common of the causes is the lack of exer- 

 cise due to confinement. While this may affect both the 



