74 If. C. AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 



selection of cows for dairying purposes. To be a producer a cow must 

 be able to consume, and this ability is best shown in the cow that 

 possesses the deep, well sprung middle. To produce economically she 

 must possess a lean, clean cut character, showing that she is turning 

 her feed to good account in milk and butterfat production. To be 

 able to feed heavily and consistently, a cow must have a strong consti- 

 tution, shown by a deep full chest, which allows ample room for her 

 heart and lungs. A well developed pelvic arch is also desirable, as 

 it gives a cow strength where strength is needed in supporting weight, 

 and ample room for her reproductive functions. A cow may possess 

 the essentials of feed capacity, constitution, quality and form, but lack 

 in udder development and thereby become an undesirable cow from a 

 dairy standpoint. To be an efficient producer a cow should have a large, 

 well developed, soft, pliable udder which helps to complete the dairy 

 structure. The most desirable udder is one that fits rather closely, being 

 evenly balanced, extending well up between the thighs, and well forward 

 on the belly, with teats of uniform size placed well apart to allow easy 

 milking. The typical dairy cow shows greater depth and thickness 

 through the rear portion of the body than through the front. This is 

 necessary as greater space is required for a well developed digestive sys- 

 tem than for a well developed respiratory system. This gives the cow 

 a wedged appearance as viewed from both side and top. The third 



FIG. 1 Grade Jersey cow showing the typical wedge form from the side. A splendid 

 feeder and producer. 



wedge of the triple wedge indicates refinement and constitution, the 

 point of the wedge being the thin sharp withers and the base, and the 

 broad, well developed chest. 



