212 . DK. LEGEAR'S STOCK BOOK. 



young and inbreeding too closely, which naturally weakens the 

 constitution and causes barrenness. Jerseys have especially been 

 injured in this way. Sterility in the stallion is often due to one 

 or both testicles failing to come down into the scrotum (bag). 

 The testicles that haven't come down are seldom developed suffi- 

 ciently to secrete the semen. Therefore*it is quite safe to say 

 that ridglings are barren as a general tiling. Inflammation of 

 the testicles, resulting in a hardened condition of the same, may 

 be a cause of barrenness; or fatty degeneration of the testicles. 

 Any disease that weakens the system or makes it painful for the 

 stallion or bull to mount, may be a cause of sterility. Occasion- 

 ally there is a local paralysis or weakness in connection with the 

 penis which makes it impossible for the animal to protrude his 

 penis far enough for service. Cows and mares may be too fat to 

 breed; also the opposite condition may be present. There may 

 be an imperfect development of the ovaries, cysts or other tumors 

 of the ovary. A chronic inflammation of the vagina and womb, 

 as whites, etc., may cause barrenness. Another very common 

 cause of this trouble in the mare is the closure of the neck of the 

 womb. This can be remedied by introducing the hand and 

 gradually dilating the parts with the fingers. Cows and mares 

 used for breeding purposes shouldn't be overfed nor underfed, 

 but fed moderately and well cared for. They should be free 

 from all diseases and blemishes, and of strong mature age not 

 too old nor too young. 



EXCESS OF VENERAL DESIRE. 



This is seen both in mares and cows, and is very troublesome 

 to the animal and very annoying to the owner. It is seen more 

 frequently in cows, and they are called "perpetual bullers." It 

 may be caused by certain strong, stimulating kinds of food, but 

 it is more frequently caused by irritation in some portion of the 

 generative organs. Disease of the ovaries is the most common 



