198 LIVE-STOCK JUDGING 



and hay mows, as the sources of the raw materials, and the 

 finished product in the pail. 



There is a most distinct correlation between form and 

 function in the dairy cow; therefore a detailed con- 

 sideration of each is essential to the intelligent judging 

 of her. 



Milk is composed of 87.1 % water, and 12.9 % solids, 

 of which .7 % is mineral matter, 3.2 % casein, 5.1 % sugar 

 and 3.9 % fat, the last three constituents being products of 

 the udder, exclusively. Hence the udder is the final and 

 determining factor in milk production, but its function is 

 wholly dependent upon allied and prerequisite systems 

 and organs. These will be taken up in order. 



218. Dairy temperament. Since the production of 

 beef and milk are in no way correlated but are extreme 

 opposites, the primary factor in milk production is the 

 absence of any tendency to beefiness. All the allied 

 functions, as well as the secretory function of the udder 

 itself, are so governed by the nervous system as to insure 

 the most complete utilization of food nutrients exclusively 

 for milk production, after maintenance requirements 

 have been met. 



219. Reproduction. Given the capacity to divert 

 surplus nutrients from the body to the pail there must be 

 furnished a motive for so doing. Although the un- 

 developed udder of the virgin heifer and even the rudi- 

 mentary gland of the bull may be stimulated to the actual 

 production of milk, yet the calf is the only means of bringing 

 cows into a state of profitable production. Under modern 

 methods of dairy husbandry the calf is commonly de- 

 prived of that for the production of which he has furnished 

 the incentive. Once fresh, a cow may be kept milking 

 continuously for years, sometimes , without the necessity 



