24 BOARD OF AGRKXLTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



that the greater profit comes from the best cows, whatever 

 their kind. This is true of pure-bred or registered stock, 

 as of common cows. 



A dairyman may start with notliing but grade cows of 

 only fair quality, and, by simply purchasing a dairy sire of 

 excellent quality, have a fine grade dairy herd in a few years. 

 Too much stress cannot be put on this point ; and money and 

 time spent in finding an excellent sire will prove a remunera- 

 tive investment. The heifer calves from the best cows 

 should by all means be raised, — the method that is still 

 quite largely practised in some portions of our State ; but 

 there are a great many calves raised to-day that ought not to 

 be raised, and from them we get the inferior cows. In order 

 to get good cows, take good care of the heifers ; they should 

 be kept growing from the time of birth until calving ; give 

 them feed that will properly nourish and develop them. 



Establishing a Dairy Herd. 



This can be accomplished in two ways ; it may be done by 

 buying or by breeding, and these two methods may be com- 

 bined. The purchasing plan is more applicable to those who 

 produce milk for a city supply. Cows are bought when 

 mature, and, at their price, judging exclusively by the milk 

 yield, are highl}' fed so as to keep them steadily gaining in 

 flesh, and are sold usually to the butcher as soon as they 

 cease to be profitable as milkers. This system requires 

 large capital and the best of judgment in buying and selling, 

 and needs experience. 



The other method is to begin with a few well-selected 

 animals as a foundation, and build up a herd by judicious 

 breeding and natural increase. This method takes time, but 

 it is far safer and more satisfactory in its results, and it 

 must be recognized as a higher grade of dairy farming. 

 With a herd formed, begin at once to improve it by breed- 

 ing and selection. Sell without hesitancy any cow which 

 proves unsatisfactory, and replace her by an animal which 

 will raise the average quality. 



