32 FORM, FUNCTION, AND CAPACITY 



problem in analyzing animal value. The breeding animal 

 should clearly indicate its capacity for the reproduction of 

 not only its attainments as a pure bred, but also as exemplified 

 in the market animal. The consideration of the reproductive 

 functions from the standpoint of the breeder is one of practical 

 value. In making a study of the individual its probable 

 reproductive powers should be considered in conjunction 

 with the intrinsic value of the animal itself. It is only when 

 these two factors are properly correlated that a breeding 

 animal can transmit to its maximum capacity the qualities 

 which are of vital importance to the breeder in the reproduc- 

 tion of pure bred animals and the production of market 

 individuals with an outcome. 



Nervous Development. — The nervous system or nervous 

 development of an animal may be divided into the nervous 

 or highly organized, the lymphatic, and the sluggish tem- 

 peraments. Each of the three is characterized in various 

 individuals representing the breeds of domestic animals. 

 A nervous temperament is characteristic of the dairy 

 animal in which all of the energy from the food materials 

 is manufactured into milk with the exception of that used 

 in body and reproductive maintenance. The typical dairy 

 cow is spare and lean in conformation, as this condition is 

 evidence that the food is being used as indicated above. A 

 highly developed nervous organization is as closely associated 

 with maximum milk production as the lymphatic or less 

 active temperament is associated with fat production. The 

 two are antagonistic, one representing the result of elimina- 

 tion, as evidenced in high milk production, and the other in 

 accumulation, as evidenced in muscle and fat formation. 

 Indication that food is being so used is as much a part of 

 animal attainments as a strong, healthy digestive or cir- 

 culatory system on which life directly depends. 



The sluggish temperament is the lowest form of nervous 

 development and one which should not be directly asso- 

 ciated with any specific type of animal. Manifestation of 

 a sluggish temperament is an attribute not to be desired. 

 It is suggestive of lack in constitution, a weak circulatory 

 system, and improperly associated nerve development. The 



Digitized by Microsoft® 



