24 GUIDE TO DAIRYING IN SOUTH AFRICA 



different dairy breeds. Not all the biggest yielders 

 of all breeds, or even in the same breed, are shaped 

 exactly alike, but all good cows of all dairy breeds 

 have certain well-defined points, similar to each 

 other, which stamp them as distinct dairy animals. 



Now, it must not be thought that a man can, 

 though he be the best judge of dairy stock, select 

 a good animal every time, because unerring cer- 

 tainty can only be obtained from a yearly record 

 and fat test of which few signs are given outwardly ; 

 but the very best guide which is at every one's 

 disposal is to decide by the dairy form. 



There are three types given : the Dairy type, 

 Beef type, and the " Scrub " cow, leggy and lack- 

 ing in abdominal capacity which is so necessary 

 for a good milker. The figure marked (I) gives 

 the outline of a profitable cow, and helps to illustrate 

 as far as possible the points to look at when making 

 a choice. 



When judging a dairy cow, approach her quietly 

 from the side. This is a necessary precaution, for, 

 being a stranger to the animal, any sudden move- 

 ment around her will startle her, and it will not 

 stand while you wish to feel its milk veins situated 

 along and underneath the belly. 



The first thing to look at is the head. She 

 should have a broad forehead with large, full, mild, 

 and intelligent-looking eyes, showing indications 

 of a strong brain with nervous force. A cow with 



