END OF THE TESTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 55, 6 March 1937, Page 25

END OF THE TESTS

This month sees the finish of the fifty-week egg-laying competitions. Those interested should- obtain a full report of the production from the secretary of the competition concerned as soon as these are available. Scores must be taken in conjunction with size of egg to arrive at the true producing value of any entry. It is not enough today that a hen lays well; she must also be of good body size and good type. All the competitions in New Zealand are judged three times each year by the poultry instructors of the Department of Agriculture, and the eggs laid are also judged for shape, colour, and shell texture. After a gap of a fortnight the new tests will commence again with young pullets just on the point of laying. The highest score registered this year for the whole country is that of a Khaki Campbell duck at the Auckland competition, which up to the forty-fifth week had laid an egg for every day of the competition, again showing the amazing production which these ducks can give. Ducks are recognised as much better layers than fowls, and they lay a larger egg, but their management is very different from that of fowls and some people have difficulty in getting them to lay well. The scores at the Auckland competition for ducks have always been remarkably good. At one time it seemed "that there would be no limit to higher and higher egg scores, but the average production for the past ten years has shown no increase, allowing for seasonal changes. Use is made of the laying tests by breeders in order.to try their pullets out in uniform competition under uniform management. If the entry does remarkably well good advertising value is obtained. The tests are also used by some breeders, who do not find it convenient to single pen or trapnest their own stock, to try out certain experimental matings of fresh blood. For this reason it is not at all wise to judge a breeder's stock and ability by the performance of one bird or one team; rather should his average pro-' duction over a number of years be considered. ; .