Intrauterine Development of the Bovine Fetus in Relation to Milk Yield in Guernsey Cattle

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Abstract
Experienced physicians and others who come in contact with obstetrical work in man or animals frequently hold the opinion that the development of the fetus is a serious drain on the ani- mal organism. If this animal happens to be in milk production this supposed drain is said to produce a marked depression in the animal's milk yield. In view of the wide credence placed in this hypothesis it is surprising to find that the experimental evidence presented in its support is so slight. The American Guernsey Cattle Club in volume 31 of their advanced registry furnished data on the milk yields and length of time the calf is carried by the cows during the 365-day lactation in which the cows are making their record. These data are analyzed in the following paper to determine the vah'dity of the hypothesis indicated above.