6 



Farmers' Bulletin 1135. 



the fifteenth generation. Such a pedigree would carry less than one- 

 tenth of 1 per cent of the bloodlines of this famous cow and still the 

 animal it represents would be known as a member of the family of 

 which this cow was the foundation. Thus it is evident that in usinor 

 family names derived from the female the influence of many good 

 bulls is wholly disregarded. Cattle breeders are fast losing sight of 

 the family connections on the female side and are beginning to place 

 more credit where it rightfully belongs, that is, with the bulls that 

 appear in the first two or three generations which are entitled to rec- 

 ognition through performance in the show ring and breeding herd. 



Fig. 2. — A calf of desirable type. Note the beef conformation and the excelh'ut 

 breed characteristics shown in this heifer. 



SELECTING THE CALF. 



If the calf selected is to develop into a useful, profitable individual 

 for breeding purposes, it must be a good calf as well as the descendant 

 of good ancestors. To be classed as a good calf it must have the 

 proper form, which is sometimes spoken of as type " or " conforma- 

 tion." If you expect to select a calf with these necessary require- 

 ments, you should become familiar with them. Study pictures of 

 famous animals ; note their form. A score card of the breed you are 

 most interested in would be useful. Learn the different parts of a 

 beef animal and the method of examination in judging them. 



