PRINCIPLES OF LIVESTOCK BREEDING. 



51 



The value of particular individuals in the pedigree depends on the 

 degree of relationship. A noteworthy sire or dam is a very important 

 consideration. A noteworthy great-grandsire does not mean much 

 by himself, and the more remote ancestors hardly need be taken into 

 account as individuals. 



Attention should also be paid to collateral relatives. Each full 

 brother or sister counts as much as a parent. Half brothers and 

 sisters and full brothers and sisters of the parents are as closely related 

 as grandparents. First cousins are related as closely, as great- 

 grandparents. 



If the past breeding record of an individual is a better indication 

 of his future success than his pedigree, it follows that in judging the 

 value of a pedigree the breeding record of the sire is more important 

 than his ancestry. The breeding record of the dam is important as 



Fig. 15.— Yearling Shorthorn bull. 



far as it goes, but may not be extensive enough to have much weight. 

 The breeding record of her sire is likely to give more information. 

 Thus, the worth and similarity in type of the progeny produced by 

 the three or four closest top-cross males in the ancestry, in connection 

 with their own worth and their relationship to one another, are the 

 most important considerations in passing judgment on a pedigree. 

 About twice as much weight should be given to the sire as to the 

 dam's sire, and so on. 



In judging the value of a pedigree, it is, of course, important to 

 give as much weight to the inferior animals represented as to the 

 champions. Unfortunately, it is not possible to learn much of the 

 characteristics of any but the latter class. The rest of the pedigree 

 consists merely of names. A knowledge of the methods and ideals 

 of the leading breeders is of great assistance in giving substance to 

 these names. 



