PRINCIPLES OF LIVESTOCK BREEDING. 
51 
The value of particular individuals in the pedigree depends on the 
degree of relationship. A noteworthy sire or dam is a very important 
consideration. A noteworthy great-grandsire does not mean much 
by himself, and the more remote ancestors hardly need be taken into 
account as individuals. 
Attention should also be paid to collateral relatives. Each full 
brother or sister counts as much as a parent. Half brothers and 
sisters and full brothers and sisters of the parents are as closely related 
as grandparents. First cousins are related as closely as great- 
grandparents. 
If the past breeding record of an individual is a better indication 
of his future success than his pedigree, it follows that in judging the 
value of a pedigree the breeding record of the sire is more important 
than his ancestry. The breeding record of the dam is important as 
Fig. 15.— Yearling Shorthorn bull. 
far as it goes, but may not be extensive enough to have much weight. 
The breeding record of her sire is likely to give more information. 
Thus, the worth and similarity in type of the progeny produced by 
the three or four closest top-cross males in the ancestry, in connection 
with their own worth and their relationship to one another, are the 
most important considerations in passing judgment on a pedigree. 
About twice as much weight should be given to the sire as to the 
dam's sire, and so on. 
In judging the value of a pedigree, it is, of course, important to 
give as much weight to the inferior animals represented as to the 
champions. Unfortunately, it is not possible to learn much of the 
characteristics of any but the latter class. The rest of the pedigree 
consists merely of names. A knowledge of the methods and ideals 
of the leading breeders is of great assistance in giving substance to 
these names. 
