Breeding of farm animals / by Merritt W. Harper.

  • Harper, Merritt W. (Merritt Wesley), 1877-
Date:
1914
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Breeding of farm animals / by Merritt W. Harper. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    the average efficiency of the animals retained is su- perior to the average of those born into the herds. Since the degree of selection employed in practice is the con- trolling factor in the efficiency of our living farm animals, it would seem well worth while to give careful considera- tion to the methods whereby selection can be used more effectively. Propagation of animals.—So important are environ- ment, selection and heredity in the development of our farm animals that the influence of many factors operat- ing to decrease the number of normal births, as well as proper development while young, are often overlooked. These very factors often are of greatest concern to the practical breeder. The dairy farmer with a herd of 40 cows is more concerned in having his cows freshen regu- larly and normally than in the individuality of the off- spring. The same is true in breeding horses, beef cattle, sheep and swine, with added interest in methods whereby the many fatal diseases of the young may be avoided and proper development secured. The proper growth of the new individual, both before and after birth, is beset by many difficulties. The number of animals that fail to breed as well as those that give birth to premature young is great. This is a source of immense financial loss in dairy cattle and all pure-bred animals. Further, it has been stated that approximately one-fourth of all the young animals born die before they are one month of age. Surely it is well worth our time to consider methods whereby this great loss may be avoided.
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