BUTTERFAT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 162, 11 July 1930, Page 17

BUTTERFAT.

COST OF PRODUCTION. THKEE VITAL FACTOBS. ■DOMINION'S ESSENTIAL INDUSTRY. New Zealand relies for her very existence on the production of Some people might ask what is butterfat' They know that it is the product of "Her Majesty" the cow, but they have no idea of the cost of production The feed cost of producing lib ot butterfat is dependent upon three factorsfirst, the inheritance of the cow or herd of cows as regards their milking propensities and the buttcrfat content of their milk; second, the quantity and quality of food available and its costs; and third, the ability of the feeder to balance the rations and provide suitable conditions in order that the inherited qualities may be developed to a maximum. The first factor is governed by the breeding policy followed. That is, are high-class sires with ability to transmit milk productions, together with a high butterfat test to their progeny, being used? The combination of these two is necessary to get the most economical production of butterfat. For example, a cow producing 80001b of 3 per cent milk, is only equal in butterfat production to a cow producing COOOIb of 4 per cent milk, or 4SOOIb of 5 per cent milk. Therefore, the butterfat test is of more importance than the amount of milk, providing a "ood average production of the latter is assured. The second factor under present conditions of high feed costs is governed chiefly by the amount of homegrown feeds of high quality which can be produced, such as legume hays, grains and succulent roughages, including pasturage. 'If these are grown in sufficient quantities £o provide the necessary feed through the year, the rations for the milking herd may be balanced more econominally by the use of only a small amount of protein feed. The quality of the pasture is becoming a very important factor ill lowering the cost of production of butterfat. The third factor rests entirely with the individual feeder. To obtain the greatest possible production during the winter months he must imitate summer conditions as closely as possible. That is, there should be provided: (1) Abundance of feed, (2) balanced rations, (3) succulent feeds, (4) palatable feeds, (5) comfortable surroundings, and (0) reasonable exercise. By adhering to this policy the dairy farmer will reduce his cost of production to the minimum.