20 BULLETIN 58$, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



t 



structed in 1916, which will slightly increase the carrying capacity 

 and aid in bringing the stock through in better shape. The general 

 character of this range is shown in Plate IX. 



INCREASE IN CALF CROP AND IMPROVEMENT IN GRADE OF STOCK. 



Reports received from stockmen during 1914 in connection with 

 an investigation of live-stock production on western ranges showed 

 an average calf crop of 66 per cent for New Mexico and 57 per cent 

 for Arizona. 1 This figure for New Mexico as a whole is believed to 

 be too high for the ranges of the southern part of the State. Grant- 

 ing that it is not, however, there would still seem to be a good chance 

 for a bigger calf crop, provided it is practicable to keep the breeding 

 stock, both cows and bulls, in better condition throughout the year 

 and to secure the proper distribution of bulls. 



In giving the additional feed and care required for an increase in 

 the calf crop, the possibility of improving at the same time the 

 average grade and value of the individual animal should not be lost 

 sight of. Supplemental feed should be given to a cow or bull capable 

 of producing a calf worth $30, in preference to an animal capable 

 of producing a calf worth only $25 or $27.50. Preference 'should also 

 be given an animal capable of producing a steer with the qualities 

 necessary for good feeders. 



When the studies to determine the possibilities of increasing the 

 calf crop and improving the grade of stock were begun in 1915, the 

 female stock of breeding age on the Jornada Range Reserve numbered 

 approximately 1,950 head. The bulk of these were fairly good grade 

 Herefords; but about 500 or 600 head were of low grade, off color, 

 and old Mexico stock. 



Five hundred of the best Hereford cows and heifers and 20 of the 

 best Hereford bulls were selected in the summer of 1915 and given 

 a summer pasture and a winter pasture away from other stock. 

 In November the cows were dehorned and branded with a special 

 brand for this herd and its increase. The record started November 

 19, 1915, with 500 cows, 20 bulls, and no calves. 



Early in 1916 the 20 bulls were replaced by registered Hereford 

 bulls purchased in the Panhandle of Texas. The least desirable of 

 this lot have, in turn, been replaced by the pick of a carload of regis- 

 tered Herefords purchased of the Kansas Hereford Breeders' Asso- 

 ciation in November, 1916. 



Until February 1, 1916, both fe_male stock and bulls were left on 

 the range. The bulls and a few thin cows about to drop calves were 

 then placed in a small pasture and fed cottonseed cake to supple- 

 ment the range feed. The number on feed was added to from time 



i Report 110, U. S. D. A. The Meat Situation in the United States, Part II, p. 23. 



