CHAPTER XI 

 Conformation in Relation to Milk Yield 



This method of estimating the probable milk yield of a cow is of 

 the rough and ready type. It is always available to the purchasers 

 where milk records are not. Furthermore conformation gives an 

 estimate of other qualities valuable in the cow besides the m ilk- 

 yield itself, as for instance, present condition of the udder, type of 

 cow in relation to gestation, etc. The study of conformation in 

 relation to milk yield may be approached in the laboratory as 

 follows — the class is supposed to have had a course in stock judging 

 or its equivalent. The following information on the breed of animals 

 they are studying should be given the students : the lowest, average, 

 and the highest yearly milk yields of the cows in the breed as at- 

 tained in the college barn. Place all of the animals now in the herd, 

 estimating the probable yearly milk yield of each. After returning 

 from the barn to the class room the actual yearly production of 

 each cow should be procured. A three column protocol furnishing 

 the necessary space is given on page 75. 



To bring out the facts of these data they may be arranged as 

 follows. Arrange the student's estimate of yearly production in 

 order from lowest to highest. Divide the whole data into five 

 groups with equal numbers of cows. Calculate the average actual 

 milk yield for the cows of each group. Plot these averages on 

 coordinate paper on page 76 as shown in the protocol below. 



6000 



If line A, formed by connecting the five points,hasa generaltrend 

 upward as the student's estimate of production increases, it shows 



73 



