306 THE CREAMERY PATRON'S HANDBOOK. 



EXPLANATORY NOTES BY COMMITTEE. 



We recognize the Guernsey should be: 



First. A dairy animal with a distinctive dairy temperament and con- 

 formation, having a strong, nervy structure with a corresponding flow of 

 nervous energy, and every indication of capacity and vitality. 



Second. In color of hair, a shade of fawn, with white on limbs and under- 

 part of body are considered the prevailing markings, and some degree of 

 uniformity is desirable. 



Third. One of the important distinguishing features of the breed is 

 the presence of yellow color in the pigment of the skin, which is indicative 

 of rich golden color in the milk. This is very pronounced in the Guernsey 

 and held by her to the greatest extent under all conditions of stabling and 

 feed. The intensity of this trait is more marked in some animals and fam- 

 ilies than in others, but it should be kept at the highest standard. It is 

 fast being recognized that this color is accompanied by a superior flavor 

 in the milk and thus in the butter. 



Dairy Temperament. 



By "Dairy Temperament" is meant a strong, overruling pre-disposition 

 or tendency to turn the consumption of food towards the production of 

 milk with a high content of solids, especially butter fat, as against the con- 

 stitutional tendency so often seen to turn food into flesh. Even in the 

 strongest dairy breeds there are more or less frequent out-crops in male 

 and female of the flesh making temperament. To breed from such animals, 

 while we are striving to establish a prepotent dairy temperament or tendency, 

 is not wise. All cattle bred specifically for dairy purposes should possess 

 a clear and decided dairy temperament, for it is that quality of character 

 we most desire to establish, enlarge and perpetuate in the Guernsey cow. 



This is especially indicated by the shape of the head, showing brain 

 capacity, wide muzzle, open nostril, full bright eyes, feminine neck, and a 

 construction of the back bone indicating a strong flow of nerve power and 

 support from the brain to all of the maternal organs. 



Constitution. 



In breeding our domestic animals, especially for long service like the 

 dairy cow, it is very important that they should have abundant vital power 

 which we call "constitution." But constitution must be judged and meas- 

 ured by the peculiar function the animal is bred to fulfil. With the race 

 horse the function is speed; with the steer, the laying on of flesh; with the 

 dairy cow, the production of milk solids . In all these various functions 

 the animal that is to represent any one of them must show not only large 

 capacity in the line of that function, but also the ability to endure long 

 and well the strain of such function, and keep in good health. Constitution 

 is best indicated by a full development at the navel, and strong abdomi- 

 nal walls, showing that the animal when in a prenatal state was abund- 

 antly nourished by the mother through a well developed umbilical cord. 



