10

Some men have used scrub sires through ignorance or indifference or neglect, not
realizing what losses they were incurring until their stock was a sorry-looking, run-down,
undersized and altogether undesirable lot.

The better the breeding the more high-priced cuts there will be.

The poorer the breeding the fewer high-priced cuts there will be and the greater
the percentage of low-priced cuts. This accounts for the big difference in returns to
the farmer. The loss to the farmer is enormous.

For instance, in 1926, 432,000 head of cattle were marketed in Winnipeg alone at a
value of $19,432,000, an average of $45.00 a head. Only 8.7 per cent. were classed in
the best grade and sold at an average of $69.61. If all the cattle had been the best grade
it would have meant an increase of over ten million dollars to the farmers marketing in
Winnipeg alone in one year. This is conclusive evidence that the scrub bull should be
banished.

Farmers should ask their respective governments to enact legislation so that the

scrub bull which is the cause of such tremendous annual losses to the farmers will be
eliminated.

WHAT IS A SCRUB? .

A scrub animal is the product of bad breeding and bad care. The scrub animal is
one that has a long line of mostly mean, inferior ancestors, and its ancestors may be so
mixed that the animal has lost all resemblance to any definite breed.

A pure-bred animal is one whose ancestors for many generations have been carefully
selected for a definite purpose. The quality and value of an animal depends on how
carefully its ancestors have been selected. About 90% of the value of the animal as a
breeder and producer depends upon its ancestors.

The scrub bull will eventually nave to go.

The pure-bred sire will take the place of the scrub; this will mean that the farmer
will take a greater pride in his improved livestock, and the result will be greater cash
returns for his products.

The Dominion and Provincial Governments have done much to help the cause of
better livestock by sending out livestock improvement trains; distributing and making
available good sires; loaning thousands of pure-bred bulls to farmers’ clubs and
associations.

The agricultural colleges and extension service have lectures and short courses,
emphasizing the value of good breeding. Many local organizations have assisted in this
worthy course. Co-operation and community effort will do much towards getting rid of
the scrub bull.

What is needed is intelligent, concerted effort and a better understanding of the
tremendous disadvantages of scrub stock.

SUMMING UP THE ADVANTAGES OF A GOOD PURE-BRED BULL
1. Economical and Rapid Improvement.
A pure-bred bull will improve the herd as rapidly as fifty pure-bred cows.
2. Lasting Influence.
The good qualities of a pure-bred bull are passed on to succeeding generations.
3. Offspring Worth More Money.
4. Good Dairy Bulls are Profitable.
Because the offspring inherit heavy milk-producing qualities.
5. Community Breeding Possible.
With a number of good, pure-bred bulls in a community an excellent oppor-
tunity is offered to co-operate in exchanging proven sires.
6. Improved Livestock.
Will make agriculture safe, more remunerative and permanent.

HOW PURE-BRED BULLS MAY BE OBTAINED
Write to your Provincial Department of Agriculture.
Winnipeg for Manitoba.
Regina for Saskatchewan.
Edmonton for Alberta.
Victoria for British Columbia.
From them you will get the latest and best information for your locality.

A loose-leaf binder for holding these Farm News sheets may be had at the small
price of 50c, postage paid, with index and news sheets issued to date. This special offer
is to encourage the keeping and filing of agricultural information for quick reference
when wanted. See the Farm News Service page in our General Catalogue for further
information.

If you receive an extra copy of a bulletin, please pass it on to a friend or neighbor.

The information contained in this bulletin is received from reliable sources, but
the Company does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damage which
any person may sustain in carrying out or in attempting to carry out the suggestions.