THE IDEAL COW 91 



145. Dairy temperament.— We say that the ideal cow must 

 have the right dairy temperament. This does not mean excit- 

 ability. We can see something in the race horse or even in the 

 fine quality draft horse which makes us know whether he will work 

 or not. That same quality must stick out on the ideal cow. She 

 must show evidence of great nervous force that will carry her 

 through a long lactation and force her at all times to be thoroughly 

 alive, consume large quantities of food and turn every ounce of 

 that food into milk with just barely enough taken out to maintain 

 her. We must strive for this, breed, and select for it. It will be 

 shown in carriage of head and body, balance and poise on properly 

 placed legs, silkiness and quality in skin and hair, and appearance 

 of eye. Together with this suggestion of abundant life and milk- 

 producing power in form and quality, must be associated the 

 docility, quiet and content and lack of temper that is always asso- 

 ciated with maternity. Maternity is, after all, the greatest force and 

 factor behind high milk production. 



