CHAPTER V 

 SUGGESTIONS TO YOUNG BREEDERS 



A study of the principles of breeding should be made by 

 the stockman who wishes to become eminent as a breeder. 

 It is not necessary tliat one should dig deep into this sub- 

 ject, but a knowledge and application of the elementary 

 principles are essential. No great constructive breeder ever 

 lived, who did not carefully apply the law that "Hke pro- 

 duces like," in the development of his herd. The student 

 should keep in mind, therefore, no matter in what kind of 

 stock he is interested, that these pages are intended to serve 

 as a help in producing better and more profitable animals. 

 In this connection there are certain things that may well be 

 emphasized in starting out to build up a herd. 



Breed for a special purpose. The successful breeders of 

 farm animals have always been specialists. The first thing 

 to be considered is the purpose one has in mind. Some ani- 

 mals, such as beef cattle or swine, are primarily for meat; 

 others, as some breeds of dairy cattle, have their chief value 

 in yielding milk; the draft horse is of little use except for 

 hauling great loads; while Merino sheep are notable for wool 

 production. If mindful of these things, and directing ener- 

 gies rightly, one may not only secure fame as a breeder, but 

 obtain wealth in the doing. A multitude of examples illus- 

 trating the poHcies of successful stockmen with the different 

 breeds of farm animals might be given to show the results 

 secured through breeding for special purpose. 



Stick to a well planned policy. The breeders who have 

 won the greatest success, have been persistent, and have not 

 deserted the breed with which they began. One who 

 endeavors to keep only a class of live stock that is selling at 



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