Selection of Ca lves 59 
extent, on what is meant by the term ‘‘best cows.’’ 
If it means merely that the heifer calves from the 
common cows that are the highest producers are to be 
raised, it cannot be aecepted without qualification. 
The first and great step in improvement under such a 
course of breeding comes from the prepotent qualities 
of the bull. Logically, therefore, the best calves to 
raise are those in which the prepotent qualities of the 
male are niost clearly shown at time of birth, such as. 
color markings, or similar characteristics. These may 
or may not be the offspring of the highest-producing 
cows. The foundation herd of cows is admittedly in- 
ferior, even in the best of them. If proper judgment 
has been exercised in selecting the bull, there is in 
him greater chance for improvement than exists in any 
of the cows, even the best. It would, therefore, seem 
to be good logic and safe practice to disregard the 
milking qualities of the cow entirely in the first gen- 
eration, and depend on the prepotency of the bull. 
A great advantage in the rapid improvement of a 
herd of cows under this grading-up process is the 
ability to raise a large number of individuals up to 
the time they begin to produce, so that a greater num- 
ber may be available from which to select. In the 
first generation, therefore, it is a great advantage to- 
be able to raise all of the half-blood heifer calves that 
resemble their sire and that are born strong and with 
good vital powers, irrespective of the qualities of their 
dams. In many cases, however, the circumstances of 
the owner do not admit of rearing so large a number, 
and some selection must be made at the time of birth. 
