20 BULLETIN 588, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 
structed in 1916, which will slightly imcrease the carrying capacity 
and aid in bringing the stock through in better shape. The general 
character of this range is shown in Plate IX. 
f >= 
INCREASE IN CALF CROP AND IMPROVEMENT IN GRADE OF STOCK, 
Reports received from stockmen during 1914 in connection with 
an investigation of live-stock production on western ranges showed 
an average calf crop of 66 per cent for New Mexico and 57 per cent 
for Arizona.! This figure for New Mexico as a whole is believed to 
be too high for the ranges of the southern part of the State. Grant- 
ing that it is not, however, there would still seem to be a good chance 
for a bigger calf crop, provided it is practicable to. keep the breeding 
stock, both cows and bulls, in better condition throughout the year 
and to secure the proper distribution of bulls. 
In giving the additional feed and care required for an increase in 
the calf crop, the possibility of improving at the same time the 
average grade and value of the individual animal should not be lost 
sight of. Supplemental feed should be given to a cow or bull capable 
of producing a calf worth $30, in preference to an animal capable 
of producing a calf worth only $25 or $27.50. Preference should also 
be given an animal capable of producing a steer with the qualities 
necessary for good feeders. : 
When the studies to determine the possibilities of increasing the 
calf crop and improving the grade of stock were begun in 1915, the 
female stock of breeding age on the Jornada Range Reserve numbered 
approximately 1,950 head. The bulk of these were fairly good grade 
Herefords; but about 500 or 600 head were of low grade, off color, 
and old Mexico stock. 
Five hundred of the best Hereford cows and heifers and 20 of the 
best Hereford bulls were selected in the summer of 1915 and given 
a summer pasture and a winter pasture away from other stock. 
In November the cows were dehorned and branded with a special 
brand for this herd and its increase. The record started November 
19, 1915, with 500 cows, 20 bulls, and no calves. 
Karly in 1916 the 20 bulls were replaced by registered Hereford 
bulls purchased in the Panhandle of Texas. The least desirable of 
this lot have, in turn, been replaced by the pick of a carload of regis- 
tered Herefords purchased of the Kansas Hereford Breeders’ Asso- 
ciation in November, 1916. 
Until February 1, 1916, both female stock and bulls were left on 
the range. The balls and a few thin cows about to drop calves were 
then placed in a small pasture and fed cottonseed cake to supple- 
ment the range feed. The number on feed was added to from time 
1 Report 110, U. S. D. A. The Meat Situation in the United States, Part II, p. 23. - 
