BODY CHARACTERISTICS 67 



middle west, are the states chiefly interested in this breed. 

 Wisconsin may be said to be the western center, though Minne- 

 sota is gradually becoming a rival for this honor (Figs. 23 and 

 24). 



Body Characteristics. — Guernsey cows should weigh, when 

 mature, between 1050 and 1250 pounds, and bulls from 1700 to 

 2000 pounds. Considerable variation in size now exists, how- 

 ever, due partly to the recent admission into this country, and 

 their registration as Guernseys, of the cattle which for centuries 

 have been raised on the third largest of the Channel Islands, 

 namely, Alderney. For some reason the mature cattle of 

 Alderney Island are not as large even as the Jersey and fall very 

 far short of matching the ideal Guernsey. There are many who 

 believe that it was a serious blunder to admit into America 

 these small cattle, especially to admit them in the name of a 

 much larger breed. Many breeders and practical dairy farmers, 

 who have chosen Guernseys over Jerseys, have done so because 

 of the reputed greater size of the former. The Guernsey 

 naturally carries a little more flesh than the Jersey and is not 

 so sensitive to the cold. To reduce the scale of the animals now 

 is to throw them into the Jersey class in this respect where they 

 will probably be easily equalled as efficient dairy animals by 

 Jerseys of their own size. The color of the Guernsey is orange- 

 yellow and white, in large patches. The shade of the yellow 

 varies from light to a near red. Neither extreme is desirable. 

 The temperament of the Guernsey is particularly agreeable. 

 She is intelligent, but not so nervous, not so affectionate nor so 

 resentful as the Jersey. Neither is she so indifferent as the 

 " cold blooded " Holstein. Her sunny disposition and easy 

 handling habits have won her many friends. There is a ten- 

 dency, however, for individuals and families of this breed to 

 lay on fat too readily. 



Calves at birth should weigh from sixty to eighty pounds 

 and are inclined to be somewhat delicate. They are not as 

 easily reared as the young of either the Holstein or the Ayrshire 

 breed. Heifers mature rapidly and unless care is taken are 

 liable to begin milking too early for best growth. 



