THE ‘CHEESE’ COW

Manawatu Times, Volume LIII, Issue 6631, 9 June 1928, Page 4

THE ‘CHEESE’ COW

Which Breed is Best? Eeference to the investigations carried out by Mr. P. O. Vealc, scientist in charge of the Federated Taranaki dairy factories at Hawora, as to which breed of cow is most suitable for cheese production, was made by Mr. H. J. Marchant, president of the New Zealand Friesian Association at the annual meeting at , Hamilton last week. Mr. Marchant said:

“This investigation was instituted to discover if any truth existed in the claims put forward by- the various Breed Societies regarding the suitability for chosemaking of milk from different breeds of cattle., The Federation was not at all concerned about the arguments between the different breeds, but it did feel impelled to investigate the matter from manufacturing and marketing standpoints. Some difficulty, was found in locating a, district where the requisite herds of comparable quality were reasonably close together but this was found at Tokazora where Mr. H. E. Johnson maintains a Friesian herd; Mr. F. Wills an Ayrshire herd, and Mr. H. E. Batten a Jersey .herd, all in close proximity, and whoro there also existed a branch of the Hawera Dairy Company. Of course an ideal arrangement would also have included Shorthorn and Red Poll herds but this was quite impracticable. The investigation started just as -soon as there was sufficient milk for the different lots to be manufactured separately, and was continued right through the season until it had to be concluded with the drying-off of the cows. The milk, the cheese, the whey and so on were tested and analysed in every conceivable way every , day during the test, and the fullest data. kept. The cheese was manufactured, graded and shipped all in the usual way and the identity of each day’s make of each breed was known to the scientist alone, who marked each cheese with a secret cypher. On arrival in London tho cheese was examined, and its value assessed by a committee of experts from the London produce houses. From those details you will realise that the. investigation was of an exceedingly .comprehensive nature, and quite the most important work of the kind ever undertaken in Now Zealand,' When the Federation had decided on the location and tho scope, of the investigation, I understand that they approached the various breeds societies for their approval and support which was forthcoming to a limited extent. I am exceedingly gratified that this Friesian Association had the courage of its convictions and made a straightout contribution towards tho expenses of tho test. The Council did this hoping to win, but prepared to take a licking. In doing this it was estimated that the total number of breeders of purebred dairy stock represented less than 10 per cent, of the total number engaged in the dairy industry and tho council felt it would not be discharging its duty if it allowed the interests of this small percentage to override the interests of tho vast majority. Exact knowledge is as much essential on this point as in any other fora; of industry. Regarding tho results of this unique experiment I regret very much having no definite information, to give you but I understand that the report is practically completed, and may be confidently expected within the. next few weeks. I might mention that the Department of Industrial Research has recognised tho work to bo of such importance that the report is to bo issued under their imprimatur.