CALF RAISING 



175 



cent of the average weight. Breed is the largest factor influ- 

 encing the size. The maturity of the cow also has some effect, 

 as shown below. In this case cows are classed as immature 

 with their first and second calves, and those that had given 

 birth to three or more considered mature. 



INFLUENCE OF MATURITY OF DAM UPON BIRTH WEIGHT OP 

 CALVES 



JERSEYS 



HOLSTEINS 



The size and vigor of a calf at birth is not influenced as 

 much as might be expected by the previous feeding and con- 

 dition of the dam. The reproductive function is so strong 

 that in case of insufficient feed the fetus draws on the 

 mother's body, and it is the mother that suffers mostly from the 

 deficiency in nourishment. On the other hand, when a cow 

 is excessively fat, the calf in many cases is somewhat under- 

 sized. 



Importance of Raising Calves. The success of the dairy 

 farmer depends to no slight extent upon the careful rearing of 



