LECTURE NO. 30. 



GUERNSEY CATTLE THEIR LEADING CHARACTER- 

 ISTICS. 



I. Popularity. 



(1) Although there is no^ittle resemblance between the 

 characteristics of the Jerseys and Guernseys, the latter have 

 never become so generally popular in this country. 



(2) This may probably have arisen, in part at least, from 

 their greater plainness in form, but more from the less effort 

 put forth to place them before the public, as 



(3) While breeds are yet young in a country, men have 

 more to do with their popularity than even merit. 



II. Adaptability. 



(1) The Guernsey is better adapted to temperate and mild 

 climates than to those that are rigorous, but good herds have 

 done well in the climate of Quebec. 



(2) Through ancestral inheritance rather than great *size 

 they are not well adapted to endure fatigue in gathering food 

 on thin pastures and hilly lands. 



(3) They are best adapted to the average arable farm 

 where milk is wanted for the creamery or the private dairy 

 and where attractive looking and high class butter is an impor- 

 tant consideration. 



(4) A limited number of Guernseys in a large dairy of 

 average cows adds to the marketable quality of the butter 

 through the rich color imparted. 



III. Relative size. 



(1) The Guernseys are about equal to the Ayrshires in 

 size of frame, but they are probably a trifle behind them in 

 average weight. 



(2) Putting the average weight of the matured Ayrshire 

 cow at 1,050 pounds, the mature Guernsey would be about 1,000 

 pounds. 



IV. Milking qualities. 



(i) The Guernsey has deep and prolonged milking quali- 

 ties, the average production of whole herds being high, and 

 the relative cost of production is low. 



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