a2, BULLETIN 588, U. 8. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 
Most of these were run throughout the year on Pasture 1 (fig. 2), 
containing 74,714 acres, mainly of the black-brush and creosote-bush 
type, and rolling mesquite and sandhill range, with a smail propor- 
tion of tobosa-grass flats. During the summer of 1915, 325 low- 
gerade, off-color, and otherwise undesirable cows were cut out and 
sold in one bunch, and a number of others were butchered for the 
local market. In the fall of 1916 a lot of 101 head were cut out 
and sold as ‘‘canners.’’ The culling of nearly 500 head and their — 
replacement by heifers of good Hereford grade has improved vastly 
the appearance as well as the average grade and value of the 
breeding herd. Similar culling has been done among the bulls and 
will be continued each year. Sales will be made primarily from the 
culls and from the less desirable heifers produced, reserving selected 
heifers for the ranch herd. 
The management of this main herd was similar to that of the 
special herd, but less intensive. About 75 per cent of the bulls and 
2 per cent of the poorest cows were fed cottonseed cake at the rate 
of 14 pounds per head each time they came to water, usually every 
day, during February, March, and April. The stock of this herd 
were not maintained in as thrifty condition as those of the special 
herd during the early spring, but were equally as good in late sum- 
‘ mer and fall. 
From 1,522 cows, 1,053 calves, or 69.2 per cent, were branded in 
1916, as against 81 per cent for the special herd, making an average 
of 72 per cent for the Reserve as a whole. 
The known loss from this herd was 8 cows, a little over one- 
half of 1 per cent, and 11 calves, a little over 1 per cent. The pas- 
ture is large and rather rough and brushy, making it difficult to 
determine the loss with absolute accuracy. The whole area was 
worked thoroughly several times during the year, however, and it is | 
not probable that any appreciable loss was overlooked. 
On a unit as large as the Jornada Range Reserve it is difficult to 
get accurate records of the calf crop, even when under fence, and 
next to impossible to secure corresponding data for large herds on 
adjoining unfenced range. From such data as could be secured it 
- seems doubtful whether the average calf crop on range lands in 
southern New Mexico in 1916 was as high as 60 per cent. This 
figure is believed to be rather high for the calf crop over a period of 
years back. Even taking as an average the 66 per cent calf crop 
reported by stockmen for New Mexico as a whole, the average calf 
crop of 72 per cent for Jornada Reserve, with 81 per cent for the 
special herd, shows marked possibilities. 
The most important single factor influencing the calf crop under 
conditions such as those on the Jornada Reserve is the condition of 
the breeding stock. Cows which are barely able to totter to and 
