ON THE LAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume L, Issue 15476, 6 December 1913, Page 11

ON THE LAND.

FEEDING DAIRY COWS.

The English Field says The increased prominence that is' given to the question of feeding dairy cows is indicative of the growing importance of dairy farming and of the closer attention that is devoted to economy in production. The experiments carried out at the agricultural colleges, and particularly at the Armstrong, the Wye, and the Harper Adams Colleges have intensified, if they did not actually originate, the wider interest that is now manifested in this subject. It is evident that the teaching of the college experiments has not been ignored north of the Tweed. The Scottish lamer IS no exception in that he does not change his methods quicldv or without a prospect of resulting benefit; but like his neighbours 111 the South, he is eager to discover a. means of economising expenditure and augumenting income. While he does not put aside the plans evolved from long experience, under the peculiar conditions of his holding, he is ever on the look-out for useful innovations adaptable to his circumstances. This is exemplified by the readiness with which he introduces new feeding materials or varies his rations when occasion arises. He lightly adheres to the produce of his own land—roots, hay, and straw— the staple articles in the diet, but outside these, he is ready to give enlightened consideration to advice emanating from authoritative sources, and if he does not continue to act upon it, he has good reasons for taking an independent course. A point of significance is the comparatively moderate allowance of turnips and swedes in the majority of rations. Sometimes as much as three-quartcs of a hundredweight or more is given daily, but the usual quantity is from 301b to 601b, or much less than what is included in the ordinary northern feeding ration. Perhaps the tendency of roots to taint the milk has a restraining effect, but another explanation is feasible. One of the leading cheesemukers in the south-western comities declares that ho can givo to his Ayreshiro cows as much as 841b of roots per day with advantage; '•tho more turnips they have the bigger the make of cheese "is his maxim. But there is tho teaching of searching experiments carned out by the East of Scotland Agricultural College to prove that 401b of roots with 101b of concentrated foods givo a larger yield of milk than 1121b of roots with 41b of the concentrated mixture. Much depends upon tho value attached to the root crop, but in ordinary circumstances the smaller root ration would be tho least expensive, while it gave the larger return. A remarkable result of this experiment is that contrary to common belief the larger root ration was responsible for milk superior in quality to that given by the richer diet. It was estimated that the ono lot of cows received about four and a-half gallons per head per day more water than the other, and yet gave the greater percentage of butter-fat, an effect which confirms the modern view that the percentage of fat in milk is determined by the animal .and not by the feeding. An aspect of feeding that has received considerable attention in recent years is the relative influence of moderate and heavy rations. It is an accepted principle that a. cow cannot do herself justice unless she is properly fed, but there is a vital distinction between judicious and lavish feeding, and there could bo no greater mistake than to confuse the two. Up to a certain point the additional food given to a cow will influence the flow of milk, but beyond a limit easily reached, the response will not justify the expense at which it has been obtained. This important economic truth was brought out clearly in experiments at the Armstrong College, Newcastle-on-Tyne, and confirmed elsewhere. It is apparent that the Scottish dairy-farmers have not disregarded its teaching, for there are many adherents to the school of moderation, followers of tho theory that increased production should be sought by modifying rather than by augumenting the diet. This is a sound fundamental principle which it is gratifying to see in operation among farmers. Tho wide diversity of concentrated stuffs in use in the north implies that improvement is being looked for along these lines. Draff, or wet brewers'' grains, appear to be in great favour,.all who can procure it giving it prominence in. the diet. Dried grains also are used, but not so extensively, while the other materials favoured include barley meal, bran meal, maize meal, soya meal, cotton and linseed cake, bran and bruised" oats, whilo hay and straw are giv#n long or as chaff. Tho impression is conveyed that no labour is spared in the selection and preparation of the ration, which varies in cost from 10J.d to about Is 6d per cow per day.

SUMMER LIME SULPHUR. Self-boiled lime sulphur is made of 101b sulphur and 101b lime, to 50 gallons of water. Place the lime in a barrel and pour on enough water to start it slaking— six quarts. Then add the sulphur, and finally enough water to slake the lime into a paste. Keep well stirred, and after the violent boiling ceases make up tho quantity to 50 gallons with water. Five to fifteen minutes are required for the process, according, as tho limo is quick or sluggish! POTTING BUTTER.

Potting butter is quite a simplo matter. For home use your best plan is to use small jars if possible, holding what you can make at one time. This, however, is not essential. For potting it you will require to use- a little more salt than is usual, say, 41b for every 121b of butter, also use about half an ounce of boracic acid for 1241b <>t butter. Do not uso more than this. As soon as the butter is made, scald your jars or tins thoroughly, using a little common washing soda in the boiling water. Drain the, jar and then pack the butter tightly, after which sprinkle a thin layer of salt on top. Melt a little butter and pour it on top of the salt, and as soon as this is cool tio down the jar with parchment paper or common paper and white of ogg. If you have not enough butter to fill a jar at once, follow the same instructions with regard to salting and preservatives. Pat the butter very lightly with a level surface and pour on top about- an inch of strong brine made by dissolving salt and just a little boracic acid. When you desire to add the next lot of butter pour off the brine into a suitable vessel very thinly scrape the surface of the butter, and then add the next lot, pressing it firmly in tho same way as the first. If the jar "or tin is not then full, again cover with brine until the next lot of butter is made, and then proceed as before until the jar or vessel is full, then carefully cover and keep in as cool a place as possible until tho butter is ro quired. Do not put in butter which is not thoroughly good, and pot it as soon as possible after it is made.

BORACIC ACID AS A CATALYTIC

FERTILISER.

Besides the elements absolutely essential to plant life, of which the. principal ara considered to he nitrogen, phosphoric acid, potash, and lime, other elements present in extremely minute quantities have been found under certain circumstances to exercise a remarkable inlluence on plant growth and development. In this connection an immense, field for investigation lias been opened up—a field at present almost untouched, but'giving promise of results equalling in importance to agriculture any obtained in the past. Every step forward taken by science in the investigation of plant life seems to open up fresh problems which, when solved, only lead to new mysteries and fresh questions.

One of tlie most intricate problems is that known as soil sickness. It has been repeatedly proved by practical experience that although all the elements of plant life may bo supplied to a soil by means of the application of suitable manures, and apparently all the conditions required for successful growth exist, yet, if plants of the same species are grown in the same soil for successive years, the yield nevertheless constantly diminishes, in spite of the restoration of ih© elements of fertility removed by the previous crop. The reason for this fact is still disputed, but eminent' scientists who have

devoted much time and patience to its investigation assert ti.at the plants secrete toxic substances, which are noxious to plants of the same species. These noxious secretions are destroyed by exposure to light and air, hence trie advantage of leaving land to lie fallow and by frequent ploughing and turning, exposing fresh portions of tho soil to the disinfecting action of light and air.

The system of leaving land fallow is. of course, not suitable for the modem system of intensive cultivation; but by following a rational system of rotation of crops the effect of the toxic secretions produced by the previous crop is reduced. although not entirely prevented. Ordinary fertilisers are also thought to exercise a beneficial effect by reason of their destructive action on the toxic secretions, apart, altogether, from restoring essential elements taken from the soil by the previous crop. It has, however, recently been proved that boracic acid, in comparatively minute quantity, has a marked destructive effect on tho toxic secretions, and that it has, in addition, a distinct stimulative action on plant life, plants growing with increased vigour and fertility.

Thus in field experiments carried out by Professor Agulhon with five grams of boron, equal to three grams of boraeic acid per square metre, the following increases in yield were obtained : —Maize, 50 per cent.: field cabbage, 21 per cent.; turnips, 32 per cent; and small scale experiments by other observers confirm these Jesuits.

From experiments so far made it is concluded that boracic acid, acting as a catalytic fertiliser, considerably increases the weight of dry matter formed, and, having regard to the small weight required anil its low cost, its employment would seem to bo well worth a trial. Further experiments would establish the optimum doses for the various crops, but the proportion of three grams >of boracic acid per square yard, well distributed, may be used without risk. Even distribution could be obtained by mixing the boracic acid with lime or gypsum. ACTION OF LIME. New Zealand farmers as a class are said to be neglecting the use of lime ; they are depending too much on chemical manures, and omitting to give the soil dressings of such a necessary constituent as lime. If so, this is a matter of regret, because the crops will suffer in health and quality. Some chemical manures such as sulphate of ammonia and kainit use up the lime in the soil, and all fertilisers, by increasing the crop, increase also the consumption of lime. It is, therefore, the part of a good farmer to see that the soil of his farm is well supplied. The action of lime Hastens the decay of vegetable matter and sweetens sour lands which may have been more or less submerged. It increases the capillary condition of soil, prevents fungoid diseases, and promotes the growth of more nutritive herbage in pastures; it also decomposes minerals in the toil, containing potash and other food constituents, and renders them available for the needs of tho plants. Further, it decomposes organic, matter and promotes the important process which is so much in evidence at present—" nitrification. ' Thus, to sum up, lime may be said to have a mechanical, chemical, and biological action, and the importance of a pystematic application of this invaluable soil improver and fertiliser to lands which are at present in lack of it should be apparent to all agriculturists. When tins need is supplied, many of the ailments from which stock suffer, and often cause! from lack of this very necessary sub stance in plant food, will be avoided Acidity of the stomach, so frequently met with amongst cattle, is attributable to v-ant of alkaline matter in tho food supply. Malformations at birth, particularly with foals and lambs, can also bo traced to the same cause. The anaemic condition, often noticeable amongst cattle which have been pastured for any length ened period on light country, has the same origin.

MANURING SWEDES. Field trials have been carried out by the Midland Agricultural and Dairy College for some- three years in the manuring of swedes _ The result of these- tests is embodied in the following recommendations: The equivalent of the sulphate- of ammonia used in the form of nitrate of lime gave slightly better returns than the former. The increase would probably just about pay for the extra operation of sowing. To get the fullest possible value from the latter it would be best on a commercial scale to apply in the form of a topdressing, but quite early in the season. Although all the increases are not to the advantage of the finely-ground insoluble phosphates, the actual cost of the quantities supplied was considerably less. here is every indication that if equal values of phosphate had been used instead of equal amounts, the insoluble form would have proved quite as profitable as the superphosphate. After all, that is the ultimate test, and in futuro will bo made the basis for the experiment. There is little known at present of the residual values left in the land for subsequent crops, but thero is a strong probability of the insoluble forms being of more benefit in this respect than the other. The relative price of insoluble phosphate may generally bo reckoned at slightly less than half that current for the monocalcic or superphosphate form In every ease where lime was used, the cost of increase was greater than where it was omitted, especially in the dry year of 1911. This merely indicates that lime {ails to pay for itself in the first year of applying to the root crop. We know that as a fungicide ground lime is most efficacious against "Finger and Toe" some 18 months or two years after its application; it would seem that as a plant food, too, it is also at its best about that time. In these trials there was no substantial corroboration of the theory that lime is necessary as a supplement to a dressing of ground rock phosphate.

PIG-FEEDING EXPERIMENTS. Some valuable data with regard to the hand-feeding of pigs has been published in tho Irish 'Journal of Agriculture by Mr. James McAdams. The gentleman mentioned points out that in 1911-12 experiments were conducted at the agricultural station at Clonakilty to ascertain if pigs could bo successfully fattened with meal, fed raw.

Three of the experiments above referred to were conducted during the months September to April, when warm cooked food might bo expected to have considerable advantage over cold raw food. No Advantage, however, appears to have been ■ obtained from the use of cooked food. i Given an equal quantity of food, the pit's i fed with raw meal made an increase in live weight to 1041b, or a little over 61b per pig more than the pigs fed with cooked meal ; or, put in another way, tho pigs fed with raw meal required approximately a Jib less dry matter to put on 111) increase in livo weight than the pigs fed with cooked meal. In addition, the former killed 71b per pig, or 1J per cent, more than the latter. Tho results obtained, together with somo observations made during the experiments, may bo briefly summarised as follows:—1. Pigs can be fattened successfully with raw meal. 2. The average daily gain in live weight was greater when meal was raw than when cooked into porridge. 3. When meal was fed raw, less food was required to put on lib increase in live weight 4. 'Hie proportion of dead to live weights was higher in the case of the pigs fed with raw meal, i.e., they killed better. 5. Raw meal can be fed to pigs after weaning, say, at 11 to 12 weeks old. 6. On raw meal, pigs clear up their food well, look clean and healthy, and handle firm. 7. Pigs fed with raw meal require less litter and cleaning than those fed with cooked meal.

BREVITIES. Rye is not considered quite as valuable a feed for dairy cows as corn or barley. Tho chemical analysis would indicate that it is nearly equal to them, but actual experiences do not give it as good a standing for milk production.

The Lincoln red is a sub-variety of tin Shorthorn which has made its way much of late years. It is larger in frame and stronger in bono than the red, white and roan, and any effort to refine it to Shorthorn size must bo resisted. Without substance and soalo it would bo difficult to justify a sooarato esiatenco for the breed.

The stallion should display masculine character in head and neck, otherwise he lacks character. There are so many finelybred stallions nowadays that one "can un derstand the breeder's belief in an occasional cross of a rough typo of horse in [order to correct the tendency to elliminjacy.

the profits from cow-keeping depend upon three main factors—viz., cost of production, the yield of milk, and the price at winch the milk or the product into which it is converted is sold. The first of these three factors works against the other two, and over all three the cow-owner lias a larger or smaller degree of control.

Dairy by-products should be tested occasionally for butter-fat. When buttermilk or whey contains an excess of fat it denotes that there is some fault in the process of manufacture of the butter or cheese. When the products contain a maximum proportion of butler-fat the byproducts will contain it minimum proportion, and vice-versa.

At dairy farms the usual oblong type of cooler is employed, and water used as the cooling medium. At creameries a different kind of cooler is used, by which brine, as well as water, is employed for reducing the temperature of the milk or cream. With tho ordinary farm cooler it takes three or four gallons of water to cool a gallon of milk, and tho cooled milk should not to more than two degrees above the temperature of the cooling water.

The St. Petersburg Central Statistical Committee now estimates tho Russian wheat crop, in tho 63 European Governments at 84,200,000 quarters, against the previous estimate of 98,200,000 quarters, or a reduction of 14,000,000 quarters; adding the yield in tho ten Asiatic Governments, wo get a total of about 101,000,000 quarters, against 90,500,000 quarters last year. The first estimate was, as expected, much too optimistic. Judging from the exports from Russia in tho season ended July last, the crop of 1912. so far as unliable wheat was concerned, must have been appreciably smaller than indicated by the official estimate.