20 AMERICAN KERRY AND DEXTER CATTLE HERD BO'iK. 



udder is frequently large for the size of the cow, but tends to 

 have a poor front development. In size the Kerry is one of the 

 small breeds, and when in breeding condition the bull should not 

 weigh over one thousand pounds nor the cow over nine hundred 

 pounds. The temperament oi the Kerry is distinctly nervous, 

 yet, when well cared for, these cattle are quiet and easily 

 handled. 



The matuiring characteristics of Kerry cattle are second- 

 ary. As bred in Ireland, due to inferior care, they are slow to 

 develop, producing the first calf later than other breeds. This 

 slowness of maturity is overcome to a considerable degree under 

 proper conditions of care and feeding, and in America earlier 

 maturity may be expected than in Ireland. 



The hardy character of Kerry cattle is one of its dis- 

 tinctive features. During the entire year it is necessary for the 

 Irish cotter's cow to adapt herself to conditions of privation, 

 including the inclemency of winter. No breed has a more robust 

 constitution or is less subject to common diseases than is the 

 Kerry. 



The prepotency of Kerry cattle is very marked. Being 

 of an ancient breed, long bred pure, it transmits its color and 

 physical characteristics in a marked degree. 



The Kerry in crossbreeding is essentially of value in im- 

 proving common dairy stock. Kerry bulls from high producing 

 dams, bred to ordinary cows, should result in heifers showing 

 a uniformly black color and capable of producing a good yield 

 of superior milk at minimum cost. 



The grazing value of the Kerry is very high. This breed 

 has been developed under adverse food conditions and thrives 

 on comparatively poor rations. It w^ell serves the purpose of 

 furnishing the poor Irish laborer a maximum of return for a 

 minimum of expenditure. 



The Kerry as a milk producer ranks well, considering her 

 size and cost of production. Messrs. William and James McDon- 

 ald, reporting on the Kerry cattle shown at the Paris Exposition 

 in 1878, state that twelve quarts of milk daily during the season 

 and from six to seven pounds of butter a week are the estimated 

 yield of a Kerry cow, and that cows have been known to give 

 sixteen quarts every day for some time after calving. Only in 

 recent years have any systematic efforts been made to keep milk 

 or butter-fat records of these cows. In 1905 Professor James 

 Long wrote as follows, relative to official trials :^ 



1 Agricultural Gazette. London. August 21, IPOo. 



