CHAPTER XIV 

 THE DISPOSAL OF COWS 



The discussion of this question will consider: (i) 

 Disposal of cows in pedigreed herds; (2) Of cows in the 

 city dairy; (3) Of cows in the farm dairy; (4) Fatten- 

 ing of milch cows for the block; and (5) Influence that 

 the source of supply may exercise on disposal. That 

 improvement, in some instances, over the present 

 methods of disposal are possible will be made apparent. 



Cows in pedigreed herds. — The professional breeder 

 of pure-bred cattle produces them primarily for sale, 

 whether of the beef, dairy, or dual types, although 

 when of the dairy or dual types, he may obtain 

 from them returns secondary in character in the 

 milk given before he sells them. With such breeders 

 it should be a cardinal principle not to sell the best 

 cows unless the price obtained for them should be ex- 

 travagantly high, otherwise they will soon lower the 

 standard of excellence in the herd. The best should be 

 retained as long as they will breed successfully. 



Nevertheless, there are instances in which it will 

 not only be legitimate but also commendable to dispose 

 of cows while yet young. If they have been proved as to 

 their breeding capacity and found seriouslj' wanting in 

 any of the lines of transmission that are important, they 

 should be sold, but not to others who may be willing to 

 invest in them for breeding, knowing that they are 

 pedigreed, and for that reason mainly. They should go 

 direct to the block. To sell them as breeders may bring 

 more present gain, but it ultimately reflects on the repu- 

 tation of the breeder, which is his most important asset 

 in his work. But the true value of a young cow for 

 producing milk cannot be determined, in all instances, 



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