FEEDING AND CARE OF DAIRY COWS 



249 



ducers, for they cannot consume enough feed to make a large yield 

 of milk possible. 



The superiority of cows of the dairy type is further shown by the 

 "cow censuses" conducted by Hoard's Dairyman on farms in many 

 states.^ Data from over 17,000 cows showed that the annual yield 

 of butter fat by those of good dairy type was 189 lbs., compared with 

 138 lbs. for those lacking dairy type. Yet, the annual cost of feed 

 was but $1.94 more for the good cows. While the cows lacking dairy 



Fig. 71. — The Beep Type, AVith Compact, Rectangular Form 



The beef type is the result of careful breeding to secure an animal which will 

 store in its body the largest possible amount of high-priced meat. This beef cow 

 has the low-set, blocky, rectangular form, and broad, smooth back of the beef 

 type. (From Humphrey, Wisconsin Station.) 



type returned only $2.03 each per year over the cost of their feed, 

 those of good dairy type brought in $17.38 over cost of feed. 



Good and poor producers. — Cows producing a large amount of 

 milk and butter fat will naturally eat more feed than those yielding 

 less, just as hard-worked horses require more than those at light 

 work. However, the yield of the high-producing cows is so much 

 larger that it more than offsets the higher cost of their feed. They 

 therefore produce milk and butter fat much more cheaply than the 

 poorer cows. 



3 Compiled in U. S. Dept. Agr., Bur. of Anim. Indus., Bui. 164. 



