THE COST OF KAISING A DAIRY COW. 
17 
Initial value of the calf. — The cost of bull service is all charged 
against the cows and is an item in the cost of milk production. 
However, a calf worth raising has a value at birth, and in a well- 
managed herd of high-grade or pure-bred cattle the calves at birth 
should be of enough value to offset the cost of maintaining the 
herd bulls. In the Brigham herd the grade calves to be raised are 
valued at $5 each and the pure breds at from $10 to $20 each. The 
average initial value for the 1909 group of calves is $7 per head. 
440.00 
35:00 
30.00 
25.00 
20.00 
/5.00 
/0.00 
s.oo\ 
FYf?ST r^A/?. 
SECO/VO YEA& 
$<?o.oo 
ss.oo 
30.00 
2S.OO 
20.00 
/5-.00 
/o 00 
5-.00 
TOTAL COST 
Pig. 
6. — Chart showing a comparison of the items of cost in raising a 
year, second year, and for the whole period of growth (1909 
heifer the first 
group ) . 
This initial value, added to the net cost of raising, makes the total 
net cost of producing the heifer the first year $39.95. In other words, 
these 1909 heifers at 1 year of age must be valued at $40 per head 
to pay production expenses only. The cost the second year, though 
only slightly more than half that of the first year, makes the 2-year- 
old heifer represent $61.11. 
The relative importance of the various items Avhich make up the 
cost of a 2-year-old heifer is shown clearly in figure 6. 
