IMPROVING THE HERDS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20362, 17 September 1929, Page 5

IMPROVING THE HERDS.

THE PROGRESS OF TESTING. AIMS OF THE FEDERATION. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT. ] HAMILTON", Monday. The progress of herd-testing in New Zealand was referred to in a statement made to-day bv Mr. Dynes Fulton, as president of the Dominion Group Herd Test rc Federation. It was the objective of tho federation, said Mr. Fulton, to have all the dairy cows in New Zealand under test. The number of cows under test had increased from 45,564 in 1921 to 250.000 this year. Of the latter number about ■ 200,000 cows were being tested under the group system, which was commenced' in 1922.

Mr. Fulton said it was the aim of the federation to increase the Dominion production average of 300ib. of buttor-fat a cow. It was estimated that each 101b. in-

crease in the Dominion average amounted in the aggregate to an additional £1,000,000. There were many cases on record where a farmer had increased bis herd average over a period of five years by 100!b. of fat per cow. His expenses remained approximately the same, but the increased income made all the difference between profit and loss. Continuing. Mr. Fulton said it was gradually recognised that herd-testing was really an educational work, in that itled to better feeding and better breeding. Early attention would be given by the federation to devising a scheme for the marking of tested cows so tb.it they would be recognisable as such, and would therefore he sold on their performance. The cull cow would thus be eliminated. It was also anticipated that a scheme would be devised under which a check could be kept on the pedigree bulls being used in the industry. Although much had been accomplished there remained yet much to be done, concluded Mr. Fulton. With a view to coordinating and extending the work of the various associations Mr. C. M. Hume, of Hamilton, had been appointed federation supervisor.