BREED CHARACTERISTICS 301 



Second. In color of hair, a shade of fawn, with white on 

 limbs and under part of body are considered the prevailing 

 markings, and some degree of uniformity is desirable. 



Third. One of the important distinguishing features of 

 the breed is the presence of a yellow color in the pigment of 

 the skin, which is indicative of rich golden color in the milk. 

 This is very pronounced in the Guernsey and held by her to 

 the greatest extent under all conditions of stabling and 

 feed. The intensity of this trait is more marked in some 

 animals and families than in others, but it should be kept at 

 the highest standard. It is fast being recognized that this 

 color is accompanied by a superior flavor in the milk and thus 

 in the butter. 



Dairy Temperament. By "dairy temperament" is 

 meant a strong over-ruling predisposition or tendency to 

 turn the consumption of food toward the production of 

 milk with a high content of solids, especially butter-fat, 

 as against the constitutional tendency so often seen to turn 

 food into flesh. Even in the strongest dairy breeds there 

 are more or less frequent out-crops in male and female of 

 the flesh-making temperament. To breed from such 

 animals, while we are striving to establish a prepotent dairy 

 temperament or tendency, is not wise. All cattle bred 

 specifically for dairy purposes should possess a clear and 

 decided dairy temperament, for it is that quality of character 

 we most desire to establish, enlarge, and perpetuate in the 

 Guernsey cow. 



This is especially indicated by the shape of the head, 

 showing brain capacity, wide muzzle, open nostril, full, 

 bright eyes, feminine neck, and a construction of the back- 

 bone indicating a strong flow of nerve power and support 

 from the brain to all of the maternal organs. 



Constitution. In breeding our domestic animals, especially 

 for long service, like the dairy cow, it is very important that 

 they should have abundant vital power which we call 

 "constitution." But constitution must be judged and 

 measured by the peculiar function the animal is bred to fulfil. 



With the race horse the function is speed; with the steer, 

 the laying on of flesh; with the dairy cow, the production of 



