-3-
 The third pair are Brahman cows. Pedigrees of these tows show choice breed-
ing for their breed. One is a granddaughter of the well known sire "Emperor" and
the other is half sister to a more recent sire which won the Florida State Fair
Championship 2 years in succession. Their production records, however, are quite
different.

 The fourth pair of cows are first cross Brahman-Herefords, 5 years old,
with production records on 3 calves each. These cows are about 100 Ibs different
in weight but approximately the same grade. The poorest calf from the heavier cow
No. 255 (No. 170 in 1963) had a relative value of 98. This is 2% under the herd
average. The best calf from the other cow (No, 259) was Calf No. 72 in 1962 with
a relative value of 93, or 7% below herd average.

 The fifth pair of cows are Brahmans raised in the Everglades Station herd.
These cows have not produced regularly because they were in the control group in
the molasses feeding trial. Both are pregnant. Three of the 4 calves produced by
these two cows have good relative values. The older cow has only produced 2
calves in 4 years being open in 1962 and failing to raise her calf to weaning in
1961. Her calf in 1963 was very good.

 The sixth pair of cows are Brahman-Herefords. They are 5 years old with
records of 3 calves each. In this pair the heavier cow has consistently produced
the best calves.

 With records such as these based on the average of all calves in the herd
a large portion of the "guess-work" is removed when animals are culled each year.
And only by annual culling can herd production improvement be expected. As cows
with lower records are removed, the herd average is raised. Thus these relative
values pertain to each years record and are not comparable from one year to
another.

 Other factors are essential along with the records in the culling or selec-
tion of beef cattle. The importance of these factors will vary in different
operations. Some of these factors are as follows:

 1. Conformation or breed type is determined by visual appraisal. Animals
having superior breed type and beef conformation should be preferred.

 2. Size or weight for age results from use of scales for weight records.
Records show that larger cows usually will have the more growth and heavier
calves. This assumes that each cow is identified.

 3. Cattlemen must avoid becoming too sentimentally attached to animals.
They must like their cattle collectively but accept the record when it indicates
the individual cows have completed their profitable tenure in the herd.

 4. Identification of calves with their dams including date of birth is one
of the most difficult chores connected with progeny testing. In large herds this
involves many hours of labor.

 5. Palpation for pregnancy makes possible the elimination of open cows in
the fall before the short pasture season. There is no chance for profit from an
open cow for two years. The number of replacement heifers needed to maintain herd
numbers can be determined prior to the breeding season.