Producers' Attitude Toward Sound Cows. 



While the atmosphere has cleared considerably regarding the 

 importance of sound cows, there are still some anomalous situa- 

 tions. Opposition to the tuberculin test has been more an eco- 

 nomic objection than a sanitary or public health objection. On 

 the fact of it, the compulsory disposal by slaughter of an afflicted 

 animal without partial reimbursement is resented as contrary to 

 economic necessities. This position has been quite generally 

 assumed by dairymen everywhere. They have failed, however, to 

 see an advantage in the larger economic returns of a sound herd. 

 This is a strong argument for the voluntary weeding out of afflicted 

 animals. It comes with especial force to the dairyman breeder 

 who is looking for two returns from his herd. Everything that will 

 contribute to soundness must be encouraged, but we should not 

 stop at mere freedom from disease. The herd must pay. Certain 

 figures have been exhibited that go to show that the continued 

 testing of a herd for tuberculosis will eventually weed out the 

 most profitable cows. If this is true, it strikes right at the vitals 

 of the business. 



I call to mind two herds. In one, the owner has been working 

 for years to establish large yields by judicious breeding, feeding 

 and care. The present condition of the cows shows that he has 

 been remarkably successful to this end. The great, strong cows, 

 with every evidence of marked capacity for profits, are uniformly 

 admired. He has never made a practice of tuberculin testing, 

 but has exercised his own form ,of control by removing animals at 

 the first indication of physical decline. This herd is one of the 

 most profitable I have ever seen, and outwardly is in the best of 

 physical condition. , 



The other herd has been gathered from the four winds and rep- 

 resents a heterogenous mixture of common stuff without evidence 

 of improvement. Periodic tests are made, and each time a certain 

 percentage must go. If any of the cows happen to have eminated 

 from communities where improved stock has been bred, these are 

 usually the better producers and often, as well, the reacters. It is 

 necessary to be continually buying, and, at the same time, avoid 

 the disease if possible. The returns from the limited product may 

 justify the methods followed, but it is a question how long they 

 will do so. Don't understand me as opposing the test. I state the 

 facts about these two herds as I understand them. The contrast 

 is indeed remarkable. One is economically strong and probably 

 not dangerous to public health ; the other is evidently economically 

 weak, but free from disease. Cannot the two ideas be harmonized 

 to the advantage of the business? 



It seems like a needless calamity that our zeal for sound cows 

 should lead us to act contrary to established economic facts in 

 selecting them. 



Breeding Sound Dairy Cows Will Pay. 



Fortunately, some breeders of dairy stock have seen the trend of 

 conditions and requirements, and have fortified themselves against 

 future demands. The future demand will be and is now for the 

 sound cow and the profitable cow. . These two properties should 



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