Selection of Calves 59 



extent, on what is meant by the term "best cows.' 7 

 If it means merely that the heifer calves from the 

 common cows that are the highest producers are to be 

 raised, it cannot be accepted without qualification. 

 The first and great step in improvement under such a 

 course of breeding comes from the prepotent qualities 

 of the bull. Logically, therefore, the best calves to 

 raise are those in which the prepotent qualities of the 

 male are most clearly shown at time of birth, such as 

 color markings, or similar characteristics. These may 

 or may not be the offspring of the highest -producing 

 cows. The foundation herd of cows is admittedly in- 

 ferior, even in the best of them. If proper judgment 

 has been exercised in selecting the bull, there is in 

 him greater chance for improvement than exists in any 

 of the cows, even the best. It would, therefore, seem 

 to be good logic and safe practice to disregard the 

 milking qualities of the cow entirely in the first gen- 

 eration, and depend on the prepotency of the bull. 



A great advantage in the rapid improvement of a 

 herd of cows under this grading -up process is the 

 ability to raise a large number of individuals up to 

 the time they begin to produce, so that a greater num- 

 ber may be available from which to select. In the 

 first generation, therefore, it is a great advantage to 

 be able to raise all of the half-blood heifer calves that 

 resemble their sire and that are born strong and with 

 good vital powers, irrespective of the qualities of their 

 dams. In many cases, however, the circumstances of 

 the owner do not admit of rearing so large a number, 

 and some selection must be made at the time of birth. 



