35 



prime importance. Often we hear that the cow is " a hard- worked 

 animal," and it is true that a large expenditure of energy is in- 

 volved in the conversion of the coarse forage on which she subsists 

 into milk. This elaboration is most economically carried on in a 

 large and perfectly organized laboratory. A wasp-waisted cow 

 rarely proves particularly profitable in the dairy. IMuch more 

 stress ought to be laid on the length and depth of the barrel than 

 is now the case, whether one is selecting breeding stock or merely 

 purchasing milkers for present needs. 



3. Hind Quarters. — That milk production is closely associated 

 with the maternal function is not to be disputed. The conforma- 

 tion generally conceded to be most desirable for breeding is, 

 therefore, to be also sought in a dairy cow. Wide, rather promi- 

 nent hips and a roomy pelvis are considered important. The rump 

 should be long and level, and notwithstanding the fact that many 

 good cows have had sloping and peaked rumps, such a conforma- 

 tion mars the beauty of a cow, reduces her value in the market and 

 adds nothing to her dairy capacity. Good depth of quarters is 

 also desirable, and at least moderate straightness on their back 

 and sides. Extremely cat-hammed animals are not so much prized 

 as formerly. The milch cow differs from her beef cousin in hav- 

 ing an open twist, with her udder filling the place where meat 

 ought to be in the latter. 



4. Light Fore Eyid. — This is relative rather than absolute and 

 may be overdone. The head is longer than in the beef type ; the 

 neck longer and not so well filled in the neck vein. The shoulders 

 are not so wide and are more prominent at the withers. The 

 crops are slacker, and the anterior vertebrae more prominent. The 

 articulation of the bones is looser, with longer spinus processes. 

 The ribs are not so well sprung, giving a fish-backed rather than a 

 hooped effect. The general conformation is lighter, longer and 

 less compact than in beef stock, yet this lightness must not be ex- 

 treme, as anything that produces delicacy and lack of constitu- 

 tional vigor detracts from the usefulness of the animal. There 

 must be, therefore, no crowding of the vital organs, but reasonably 

 large lung capacity should be sought, measured by good heart girth. 



5. Snperficial Points. — According to age, large milk veins are 

 indicative of large milk secretion. Good size or double extension 

 of the vein is desirable. Length secured either by tortuous, con- 

 voluted shape, or by extending far forward, as well as numerous 

 prominent branches on belly and udder, add to the value of the 

 animal. The " milk wells," or orifices through which the milk 

 veins enter the abdominal cavity, must be large or numerous. 

 The real significance of milk veins is found in their function in the 



