A study of the relation of type and conformation to production in dairy cattle

Abstract

The subject of dairy type and conformation is a question of vital importance to all breeders and students of dairy cattle. It is a well-known fact that from the standpoint of milk production there is no method of ascertaining the true value of a cow as satisfactory as that of keeping accurate records. Many breeders when purchasing a cow for their herd pay a great deal of attention to the pedigree. Pedigree ought to be an indication of the qualities inherited by the animal in question. However, an animal which has a large number of high producing ancestors may prove to be a very poor individual. A case of this kind is usually the exception and should be thought of as such. It is the object of this investigation to ascertain if possible, by actual measurements of the more vital points of conformation just what type of cow is best suited for high production; also to try to find out whether or not scoring acording to the score cards of the various breeds is borne out by records.