$$ BEGINNINGS IN ANIMAL HUSBANDRY 



Guernsey cattle originated on the island of Guernsey, 

 another of the Channel Islands, and come from much the 

 same ancestry as the Jersey. The people of Guernsey 

 adopted plans of keeping out foreign cattle similar to those 

 of Jersey. However, the earlier Guernsey cattle show less 

 careful breeding, and as a whole, have not been selected and 

 improved as much as those on Jersey. Guernsey is a tri- 

 angular, hilly island, of about 12,000 acres in area, and 

 supports a population of perhaps 40,000 people. The cli- 

 mate is balmy and healthful. The people make a specialty 

 of flowers, vegetables, and cattle. The island of Alderney is 

 officially a part of Guernsey, and the cattle on this island are 

 the same as the Guernseys, being so considered by Guernsey 

 and by American breeders. In early days, though not at 

 present, all the cattle from the Channel Islands in England 

 and America were called Alderneys. 



Guernsey cattle resemble Jerseys, but are somewhat larger 

 and are usually yellowish or reddish fawn in color. White 

 spots are very common. As with the Jerseys, a very light 

 creamy ring of hair is found about the muzzle, and a similar 

 or light shade of fawn occurs around the eyes. A flesh- 

 colored muzzle is preferred by breeders, a dark one not 

 meeting with approval. Mature bulls weigh about 1500 

 pounds, and cows 1050 pounds or so. Guernseys are usually 

 of a quiet disposition, and the bulls are perhaps less nervous 

 than are Jersey males. They are often rather plain of head 

 and rough of shoulder and appear coarser than the Jersey. 

 They are noted for the yellow color of the skin and secretions, 

 the milk being especially high in color. Guernsey breeders 

 rarely color their butter, depending on its natural color. 

 The cows give a high-class milk, which often tests above 

 5 per cent fat. Of the common dairy breeds, this and the 



