FARMING AND COMMERCIAL

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLV, Issue 285, 5 November 1925, Page 5

FARMING AND COMMERCIAL

HERD TESTING. EXTENT AND' SYSTEMS. Dairy herd testing in the,Dominion has again shown a substantial increase in the number of cows under test (says Mr AY. M. Singleton, Director of the Dairy Division, In the current issue of the Journal of Agriculture). • The figures for 1024-25, on the basis of all cows tested twice or more, give a total of 100,850, as against 151,214 for tlio preceding season. This increase of 45,636 cows slightly exceeds the total number tested four years ago during ■the 1021-22 season. Of lato years the popularity of the “group” system has acted as a stimulus to herd testing, and lias helped in the breaking of much new ground. Dairymen now appear to be fully aware of the necessity of herd testing, and so long as the movement extends as it has done in recent years wo have every reason to feel confident that great improvement will eventually bo effected in the average yield of our dairy stock. Herd testing in New Zealand is conducted under practically tlireo distinct systems namely, “association,” “group” and ‘xlairv company.” In the associati/.,n’ system the members do their own weighing and sampling for as many of their cows as they please for two'out of every thirty days. The samples are sent to a depot to bo tested. by the testing officer. In the group system a testing officer visits the farms ouee a month, weighs and samples milk lor each cow for twenty-four hours and tests the samples. For the association system figuring may bo done by the secretary of tho association or his staff, tho testing officer, tho secretary of tho dairy company or his staff, tho factory manager, or, in tho caso of what aro known as “government” associations, by officers of tho Dairy Division field or headquarters staff. Figuring of returns for tho group system is usually clone either by tho secretary of tho association, his staff, or tho testing officer. Testing under the dairy company method follows tho association system, except that tho testing is always done by the factory manager, and figuring is left to tho farmers themselves. No association is formed, and generally ( no charge is made for the testing. Government associations aro conducted entirely. under the association system, and quite often have no formed association. The members give authority to the dairy company to deduct from their payments the amount of fees duo to tho Dairy,/Division, and thus aro held together to this extent. Group'testing has shown great .increases, and it must be borne in mind that the season 1922-23 was tho first year of its inception. Tho association system proper has shown a small decrease for tho past season, duo to some of tho groups absorbing sonic of tho association members in thickly settled districts; while the dairy company system has remained fairly constant for tho three years. The averago number of cows per association under all types show a peak in 1923-24, and it is thought that tho slight falling off for last season is partly due to associations opening up in more outlying and scattered districts than formerly. For the whole of New Zealand the percentage of cows tested has risen steadily, despite tho continual- increase in tho total cows in milk, till it now stands at 16.5 per cent. This means that, roughly, one cow out of every six available for testing was tested during tho past season. This is very creditable when it is considered that tho total number of cows in milk has risen 6.3 per cent from 1922-23. The North Island tested one cow out of every five, and has shown; good increases every year. The South Island, although it has shown a steady increase, tested only 3.1 per cent of its total available cows, and leaves room for much extent in tho movement. Wo understand, however, that in one district at least of tho South Island this position will he rectified during tho present season. ' Truo comparison of one season’s results with another’s will remain difficult unless some coefficient can bo arrived at from which it will be possible to standardise all annual results to the common basis of an average season. It is unreasonable also to expect much increase in tho averago yield of all association-tested cows so long as tho number of cows under tost is increasing so much each year and naturally includes more and more unproved animals. It is generally the more progressive dairymen who first take uo systematic testing, and men who as a rule have better producing cows than others m their district. \A lion eventually the less progressive dairymen join up with associations the «iclvanco in average production which would otherwise have been shown is lost in counterbalancing tile effect of the poorer herds in these new members. It is therefore very encouraging to see the averago association production has been so well maintained for the past three seasons. Another point which needs consolidation is the difference in conditions between the two main systems of testing—association and group. As mentioned previously, many very poor cows are not continued for as much as a hundred days under the association system, whereas under the group system the member has little option. ’ Then, again, groups continue lor a longer average number of days for much the same reason. To exemplify this latter statement it may bo stated that all associations under the association system last year averaged 221 days in milk, while for all group associations the average was 235 days. Now on an average, cows aro producing about Jib. butter-fat per day at tins stage, so that tlio association average should lie raised by about 71b of butter fat to put it on a group basis. The average association yields have been estimated on a group basis for all records available for the past three years, and are as follows: 1922-23, 237 da vs, 239.321 b fat; 1923-24, 237 days, 216.511 b fat; and 1924-25, 235 days, 226.721 b fat. The division lias made a practice of running out annual summaries for those associations which are tested by their officers on the basis of all cows in milk 210 days or more. Summaries on this basis give a better idea of tlio average production for dairy cows, for the reason that it eliminates those records where cows may have died, fallen sick, or have been sold or discontinued by members for reasons of their own early in the testing season. The present position of herd testing is very satisfactory, and the movement is now receiving the., serious attention of most dairy farmers. Not only aro large increases being made in the number of cows tested year by year, but the average yield is also being well maintained. As long as increased numbers of new cows aro being tested each year no advance in tho average yield of all tested cows may show itself, but this is no reason why it should be assumed that no improvement is being effected in that respect.

THE JERSEY BREED. 'STORY OF PROGRESS IN NEW ZEALAND. “It was a red-letter day lor New Zealand when the first Jerseys were imported into this country. Although the band of Jersey enthusiasts at the time was small indeed, those pioneers who so persistently advocated tlio Jersey as the ideal cow for dairying purposes, which was destined to contribute so largely to the wealth of New Zealand, deserve the unbounded gratitude of all who are interested in dairying to-day,” says the New Zealand Jersey Cattle Breeders’ Association in a booldet compiled by the secretary, Mr M. Tapp, of Palmerston North, 'and just issued by tlio association. Attractively got up and containing most interesting photographs of outstanding Jerseys and information of importance, the brochure, a copy of which we have just received, is entitled “Jersey Cattlo in New Zealand.”

“Evidence,” runs the booklet, “that tho confidence the early Jersey breeders had in the breed was not without justification, is clearly shown by tho steady and continual increase in the number of breeders since that time, for wo have to-day over 1300 members of the New Zealand Jersey Cattle Breeders’ Association, in addition to a large number of breeders who have not yet become members of the association. The growth in numbers of breeders will explain the rapid and abnormal growth in tho number of Jersey cattle that have been registered in New Zealand, the figures to-day being over 23,000 males and over 30,000 females. While these figures speak volumes for the popularity of tlio Jersey breed, let us clearly impress upon you that this has not been brought about without some effort on the part of Jersey owners, while competing with their livals for supremacy. They have, by judicious breeding and the proper handling and feeding of tlicir stock, in some measure contributed to the success of the Jersey. It is only by correct feeding that wo can assist her in producing butterfat to her full capacity. “The Jersey man certainly had everything in his favour, for the unassailable position held by tho Jersey in New Zealand is undoubtedly due to her inherent ability to produce largo quantities of butter-fat, rather than to any effort made by her breeders to attain that position'. It is impossible to obliterate this great natural characteristic of the Jersey cow. To note how nobly she responds to better and more scientific feeding, as a result of- knowledge imparted by those authorities whose special work was to ascertain tlio amount and component parts of food required by dairy cattle in order to maintain the milk flow and replerrsh the tissues of tho body, let us compare the results of semi-official testing in 1913 with tho figures for 1924. “Tho number of certificates awarded in 1913 was 67, the average number of days in milk 314, and tho averago amount of butter-fat 3761b5. The number of certificates awarded in 1924 was 674 the averago number of days in milk 349, the averago amount of but-ter-fat 4681b5, so that in twelve years tho averago production of butter-fat has been increased approximately 25 per cent. OUTSTANDING FACTS. “The analysis ,of tho figures (for 1924 discloses somo most interesting and astonishing results. Out of 674 certificates awarded, 328 wero- gained by two-year-olds and, bearing, in mind that tlio average was 4681bs fat, tho highly creditable position the Jerseys hold as producers of butter-fat will be readily understood. The following statement will give a better idea ot the wonderful ability of the Jersey cow to produce butter-fat. Of the 674 cows gaining C.O. records, 521 exceeded the minimum qualification by the amounts set 'out below: 274 by 1001 b, 186 by 2001 b, 48 by 300ib, 12 by 4001 b, 1 by 6001 b. These figures are compiled from returns furnished by the dairy division of the New Zealand Department of Agriculture. Two hundred of the cows referred to above produced an average of 5881 b of but-ter-fat. No other breed of dairy cattle in New Zealand with a similar number of cows (during the same period) could get within lOOib of this. AVliat does this mean? To tlio man with an average of 40 cows it represents a difference of £7 10s per head and, with butter-fat at Is Od per lb, a total sum of £3OO per annum is involved. “In all climates and under all conditions the Jersey cow excels all other breeds. She thrives in all parts of tbo United States, with its varying climatic conditions; in Canada, witn its long, severe winters; in the vigorous cold of Alaska; in South Africa, China, South America; in droughtstricken parts of Australia, in Europe, in tropical and semi-tropical countries. In every part of the civilised world she is to be lound carrying on her great work, surviving her rivals when submitted to stress of seasonable conditions, and ever maintaining her proud position as the premier dairy cow. No room for her doubt as to her ability in any climate. She has been tried and proven.”

DEVELOPING THE BREED. "On the subject of developing the breed, we propose to touch only on the matter of rearing calves. Any breeder who knows bis business recognises that to rear calves successfully ho lias to start right at tlio beginning; that is, to feed tho dam well while she is carrying the calf, so that it shall be a well-nourished and properly-develop-ed calf when droped. I 1 rom then on the calf should receive every care and attention from its owner, and supplied at first with a sufficiency ot whole milk, and later with other’ , body-building foods. Give it the run of a paddock ot clean sweet pasture, with shade and shelter available. This treatment affords the calf every chance of growing . into a well-developed,', healthy annual', with a constitution that will fit it for its work in the herd when it reaches maturity. Don’t starve the calves by giving thorn a ration of whey, or similar valueless drink, and expect them to thrive and become profitable. Remember, the calves are the future herd, and tile dairyman who starves bis calves once is starving himself twice. Don’t coniine the calves in a yard that is foul with filth and manure through constant use. 1 Give them the treatment they deserve and are rightly entitled to, and they will repay their owner a thousand-fold.” B UTTER-FAT P R ODUCTION. “Tho rather low average production per cow in New Zealand gives' one ample food for thought, and doubtless supplies the answer to the question, ‘Why do somo dairy farmers never succeed Y It is almost unbelievable,

lint unfortunately it is correct, that there are largo numbers of cows being milked in this Dominion which not only show no profit for their owners, but are retained on tile farm at a considerable loss. This deplorable state in dairying affairs nowadays is the outcome of nothing so much as a lack of knowledge of the results obtained by dairy farmers who test and cull their herds. Under tho supervision of the Dairy Division, New Zealand Department of Agriculture, semi-official testing lias been carried on for 12 years. During the period a total of 3065 Certificates of Record have been gained by Jersey cows, this number representing about 65 per cent, of the whole of the certificates issued by tho department; so that the remaining 35 per cent, is split up amongst the other dairy breeds. “These figures provide further proof of tlio popularity of the Jersey breed, a position she has gained entirely on her merits, the average test for the 3065 cows being 5.54, with an average record of 437.511 b. fat. “Let us draw your attention to one other instance which is further evidence of how much the merits of the Jersey breed is recognised and appreciated. iSearoh the advertising columns in tho leading newspapers' for notices of sales of dairy stock, and note how strongly the advertiser stresses tho point that the .cows aro Jersey or Jersey-cross, in calf to a Jersey hull. Why do they placo so much stress on the word Jersey? Because ‘Jersey’ means quality, butterfat, and production at the lowest possible cost, and that means better prices.” “Tho outstanding characteristics of the breed are'the same to-day as they were 200 years or more ago, namely, the great prepotency to transmit their type, and great producing qualities inherent in tho breed, to a marked degree, as shown by their performances when placed under test and given proper treatment.”—Excerpt from brochure issued by the New Zealand Jersey Cattle Breeders’ Association.

AYRSHIRE BREED. PERFORMANCES UNDER TEST. The current issue of the New Zealand Farmer says: “Considerable disappointment will be felt throughout Ayrshire circles at the news that Mr AY. Moore’s outstanding producer, Bright Smile i\ r of Greenbank, has been withdrawn from test. AA'lien within about three months of completion she returned to the bull and, there being thus no hope of her gaining her certificate, it was with great reluctance that her owner decided to pull her off tho test. It is a great pity that such a step was necessary, because tho way she was standing up to her work she was bound to run into four figures, and thus be the first Ayrshire cow in the world to produce 10001 b of butterfat. As it is, lier production up to the time site was withdrawn constitutes a record for the breed as far as this Dominion is concerned. It is understood that in the last month of her test she returned 'approximately 7l)lb fat, and this gives her a total production of just under 9281 b fat in nino and a-half months —a truly wonderful performance. Now that Bright Smile IA T of Greenhank has retired front the lists, Mr A. Montgomerie’s cow Glencairn Brownie ranks as the supreme butter-fat champion of tho breed, with a production of 725.051 b fat from. 15,579.41 b milk in 365 days. Mr A. M. AYeir’s Ivanhoe Fancy, who broko the breed’s record in February, 1924, still retains tbo four-year-old class leadership, for lier production has never been equalled by any Ayrshire cow of her age. A ton-ycar-old cow, Glencairn Brownie was bred by her owner, anil that she is a breeder as well as a producer is borne out by the fact that her daughter, Glencairn Miss Loudoun, has just finished a C.O.R. in heifer form of 654,521 b fat and 16,835.31 b milk in 365 days. Glencairn Miss Loudoun is the second two-year-old of tbo breed to exceed a production of 6001 b fat. The two-year-old class leader is still Air AY. Moore’s Fair Maid of Greenbank, whose sensational record of 673.561 b fat, starting test at the 'age of 2 years 37 days, will take a lot of beating. Fair Alaid of Greenbank, by tho way, is a daughter of Bright Smile IA r of Greenbank.

Notwithstanding -Bright Smile IA r ’s defection, the present year w ill go down m Ayrshire history as outstanding, for no previous year lias witnessed so many big records. 'ln this connection it is interesting to note that news has just come to hand of the completion by Air \Y. Hall’s four-year-old Dimple of Edeudale of a substantial record in the shape of 628.581 b fat from 15,232 41b milk in 365 days. Dimple of Edendale is an exceptionally heavy producer, and when she is fully matured slio should put up something phenomenal in the shape of a record. Bhe already lias two substantial records to her credit for, as a two-year-old, she put up a C.O.R. of 529.491 b fat from 13,0631 b milk, and held the class leadership till displaced last Alarch by Air AY. Aloore’s lieifer. Al'aesgwvn Joy, a four-year-old owned by Air C. Morgan A\ illiams. of Olioka, North Canterbury, lias just completed a record of 553.121 b fat and 15,160.61 b milk in 349 days, and the same breeder’s two-vear-old lieifer Atacsgwyn Mignonette has finished up with 410.791 b fat from 98441 b milk in 365 days. Then from New Plymouth comes tlu; news that Messrs Robertson and Blackley’s Generosity of AYoodlaiuls, a mature cow, has put up a record of 570.-1811) fat from 12,929.31 b milk in 365 days, which is also no mean performance for the little Scottish cow. The same breeders recently placed 'another promising cow under semi-official test in Floss ol' Braeside, who, so far, has done over 21b a day—--122.081b fat in her first 60 days. For .September she is credited with producing GO.fi'llb fat from 1452.91 b milk. An outstanding performance is that of Air R. S. AYeir’s Sheilab’s Favourite of Alfuiulale who, with still twelve days to go, had up to the end of August produced 681.8411) fat from 14,901 lb milk. Her production for August was 48.1411) fat, so she is finishing strongly. Air Weir's other cow, Myra of Tuwnhead, had given 486.981 b fat in 336 days up to the end of August. Miss Gillies ill of Inglewood, Ins third test cow, has given 51.521 b lat for her first full month.

The latest returns available about the progress of tin: big team under test by Air A. Al. AYeir, of Alenzie’s Ferry, Southland, aro also most encouraging. Air Weir is testing no fewer than nine cows simultaneously, and by every token they are going to put up a handsome average, a breed record probably for any team of similar size in the Dominion. One of tbo team in Kanadale Countess lias already produced 533.341 b fat in 302 days, and another in Little Neil of Frewdalo has given 457.551 b fat in only 262 days, whilst a third in Perfection of Ivanhoe lias produced nearly 5001 b fat in a little less than 300 days-