CHAPTER XXIV. 



THE DUAL PURPOSE COW AND BEEF 

 PRODUCTION 



The dual-purpose cow is an established fact. It is 

 not claimed that the type has reached permanency or 

 that it has acquired a high degree of excellence. Numer- 

 ically, from the viewpoint of the breeder of pedigreed 

 cattle, her race is relatively insignificant. 



Speaking in general, she exists on many American 

 farms as a grade of mixed lineage, but usually showing 

 a predominance of Shorthorn blood. 



In addition to those of Shorthorn lineage, should be 

 mentioned some very excellent representatives, both 

 pedigreed and grades, among the Red Polled and Devon 

 breeds. That the dual-purpose type is of late becoming 

 more popular is believed by many who are in a position 

 to feel the pulse of agricultural sentiment. It is not the 

 purpose of the writer to champion the cause of the dual- 

 purpose cow. She exists in this country and, judging 

 from her long-continued popularity in Great Britain, 

 she will continue to figure as a factor in American cattle- 

 dom for generations to come. A partial excuse for her 

 existence, if one is needed, is that not only she, but her 

 offspring, have the capacity for making beef. The dual- 

 purpose cow bears, then, at the present time, and is likely 

 to for some years to come, a very direct relation to the 

 beef producing industry of the United States. Bear 

 in mind that the writer is not trying to force the dual- 

 purpose type upon an unwilling people. He will not 

 long hesitate, however, to advocate the general adoption 

 of the dual-purpose type by the beef producers outside 

 the range country if thorough investigation proves this 

 the most profitable type. Certain it is, that the aban- 



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