CHAPTER IX 

 DUAL-PURPOSE CATTLE 



GENERAL DISCUSSION SHORTHORNS, RED POLLS, 

 MINOR BREEDS 



Definition of the Term. The term " dual-purpose " is 

 used to describe those breeds of cattle which are bred for 

 both milk and beef production in contrast with those called 

 special purpose which are bred primarily for either milk or 

 beef. However, the question of beef production in connec- 

 tion with that of milk is largely one of degree since prac- 

 tically all dairy cattle are used for beef when their period of 

 usefulness as milk producers is at an end. 



Much of the discussion regarding the question of dual- 

 purpose as compared with special-purpose cattle comes from 

 erroneous ideas of what constitutes a dual-purpose animal. 

 The man who is interested primarily in milk production is 

 inclined to call every cow that does not produce milk profit- 

 ably, especially if she shows a tendency toward beefiness, a 

 dual-purpose cow. The cow in question might more often 

 be correctly classed as a no-purpose cow. Other dairymen 

 go to the other extreme, and call such cows as the Holstein 

 dual-purpose because they have some value for beef produc- 

 tion. 



The breeder of pure-bred Shorthorns often calls any cow 

 showing a good-sized udder when fresh a dual-purpose cow. 



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