EARLY CALVING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22100, 4 May 1935, Page 22

EARLY CALVING

PRDVIDING YOUNG GRASS Mr. A. fl. Cockayne, director of the Plant Research Station, has set down the following very important considerations in connection with dairying in New Zealand:—

(1) Early calving is essential to high herd production under the New Zealand system of dairying. (2) Early calving cows must be adequately provided with milk-producing feed in the early spring. (3) The ordinary farm cannot adequately replace spring grass shortage by roots, ensilage or hay, either alone or ini combination.

(4) .A really adequate supply of vigorously-growing young grass in the early spring, consumed as such, would make early calving safe and effective throughout New Zealand.

Eford-testing figures are showing the trend to earlier calving. Farmers are finding it a matter of extreme importance to get as much production from their herds .is possible before the dry summer spells set. in.. .

The application of nitrogenous fertilisers has proved to bp extremely valuable in assisting farmers to make early calving safe. It is of little use bringing cotoi. -in- .early . unless, .they are adequately fed, and nothing produces milk like young grass--It has an effect on tnilk stimulation which has never been adequately explained.