328 THE MANAGEMENT AND FEEDING OF CATTLE 



lively, while the generative organs are in process of 

 development. 



The extent to which such a bull may be used in 

 service cannot be given by rule, because of the great 

 difference in inherent energy in such males. The state- 

 ments given below regarding service must, therefore, be 

 taken as approximate only. It is about certain, how- 

 ever, that in the calf form the males should, as a rule, 

 be held back from all service, but to a very limited extent 

 there may be exceptions. In the one-year form no harm 

 should follow mating with 12 to 15 females, the time of 

 service not being in too close succession. Any excess 

 in service would draw too heavily on the energies of the 

 system, and this would so far retard development. On 

 the other hand, the generative powers are strengthened 

 rather than weakened by judicious use. In the two-year 

 form service may be given to not more than 25 to 30 

 females, observing the same precautions as previously 

 mentioned with reference to the timing of the services, 

 which, to some extent, it may be possible to control. 

 In the three-year form, the amount of service called for 

 may be materially increased, and this may be continued 

 through succeeding years. But the amount of service 

 required from such a male should in no instance be so 

 much as may be exacted from breeding bulls that are 

 not fitted for being exhibited. 



It is fortunate for all concerned that the season 

 when service is most required is that which follows the 

 show season. That is the season when they are being 

 given food that is the best suited to sustain in healthy 

 action the generative functions. This makes it less 

 necessary to draw thus on the energies of the male dur- 

 ing the season of most active fitting for the fairs. 



The proportion of males who ma}' thus be carried 

 from year to year and yet prove valual)le as breeders 

 is not large, and the proportion of feeders who are mas- 

 ters in such management is probably still smaller, and 



