BREEDING BEEF CATTLE 167 



in some of these arguments, but the writer believes the 

 advantages of the spring calf outweigh those of the fall 

 calf, with reference to the growing of cattle for beef in 

 the corn-belt. 



BREED CALVES UNIFORM IN AGE 



Care should be taken to breed the cows in such a 

 way that the calves will be as nearly uniform in age as 

 possible. This will necessitate the weeding out of the 

 herd cows which persist in coming in season only after 

 long periods have elapsed after calving. Such cows 

 are not necessarily shy breeders, but, for the reason 

 stated, should be discarded. The margin of profit in 

 breeding beef cattle is so slight that the producer can 

 not long afford to board the shy breeder. 



The herd should be frequently and carefully culled. 

 The basis of selection or standard of excellence after 

 the individuals have been tested should not be alone 

 their conformity to score card standards of form and 

 condition, but primarily their records as breeders. It 

 sometimes happens that some of the plainest looking 

 cows are the best producers. These should most 

 certainly be reserved for future use even though they 

 are not pleasing to look upon. 



AGE TO BREED HEIFERS 



The question is often asked, "At what age should 

 heifers be bred?" Assuming that heifers have been 

 liberally fed and have attained normal size for their age, 

 they may very properly be bred at from eighteen .to... 

 twenty months of age. In case the heifers are under- 

 sized and lacking in "development and condition, the 

 breeding may be postponed for another six months. It 

 ought not to be necessary, however, to keep a heifer 

 until she is two years of age, or upwards, before breeding. 

 Undoubtedly, many of the most satisfactory breeding 

 cows will be found among those that have reached six 

 to nine years, and in general it is bad practice to discard 



