LECTURE NO. 23. 



HOLSTEIN-FRIESIAN CATTLE THEIR LEADING CHAR- 

 ACTERISTICS. 



I. Popularity. 



(1) The Holsteins deservedly rank very high among dairy 

 cattle in America. 



(2) Although they entered the field considerably later, 

 they are only second to the Jerseys in point of numbers. 



II. Adaptability. 



(1) The large, capacious frame of the Holstein calls for 

 environment where the land is level rather than broken, and 

 rich in forage and grain production. 



(2) When these conditions are present they may be kept 

 with much advantage in providing milk for cities, for cheese 

 factories and creameries and also for private dairies, in which 

 the skimmilk can be turned to excellent account. 



III. Relative size. 



(1) The Holsteins are unquestionably the largest of the 

 distinctive dairy breeds found in America. 



(2) The frame is fully as large as that of the Brown 

 Swiss and is not much behind that of the Shorthorn. 



(3) The average live weight of cows may be put at 1200 

 pounds, while they vary from 1000 to 1500 pounds. 



IV. Milking qualities. 



(1) In the production of milk, auantity alone considered, 

 the Holsteins are without a rival, but 



(2) The milk does not average so high in butter fat as 

 that of some breeds, although to this there are some excep- 

 tions. 



(3) The milk is good for cheese or butter making, and 

 tither fresh or skimmed it is excellent for promoting quick 

 development in young animals, since it is rich in constituents 

 that go to form bone, muscle and fibrous tissue. 



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