HERD-TESTING RETURNS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16491, 8 November 1927, Page 10

HERD-TESTING RETURNS

POVERTY BAY GROUP RESULT OF FIEST TEST The results of the first period of testing by the recently-formed Poverty Bay Group Herd-Testing Association were matfo available yesterday, and they disclose a very satisfactory state of affairs, that is considering that-in tho matter of testing and -herd-im-provement' Poverty Bay is behind some of the districts ' where dairying' is practically the solo farming industry. The statement made by the association yesterday shows that of tho 26 herds under test, seven averaged over -101 b. of bntterfat for tho 30 clays period, -while two more were only a few points below that figure. This means that over 30 per cent, of-tho herds in tho group arc up to what in considered a good payable standard, ami it is doubtful whether . many groups in the older dairying districts could show a much better percentage above the 401 b. mark for the same period —Heptember-Octobcr. It is considered that if a cow can give a pound of butterfat a day' she is worth her keep, and, if that is so. the majority of those tested during the first period by the Poverty Bay Association can be included among that category, for there is, only one herd that has averaged below 301 b. of fat for the 80 days,, this being in the case,of 36 cows, which, with a .'!.!) test, averaged L'7.!7lb. The following are the figures of the herds that exceeded 401 b. of butterfat for the month: —

An inspection of the test sheets shows convincing evidence of the need of culling, for bad a few poor cows been eliminated and replaced -with those of even average quality much better figures could have been shown; and this" is the purpose of testing. Next yeai'. no doubt, those which are keeping down the averages, and incidentally the profits, will be replaced with better animals, and greater production will be tho result.

Tt is interesting to note that the largest herd tested is among the first 10; this was in respect to nearly 100 cows which averaged 30.021 b. of fat for the month, while another of nearly SO cows is not far behind with 38.811 b.

Of the individual performances, like the group averages, there is nothing exceptional, but some very gratifying butterfat totals are show", , Three cows are credited with giving over 70 lb. of fat for the month, the highest figure being 70.111 b., with two others

at 71.821 b., and 70.301 b. Eight more gave between <solb. and 701 b., .while a number gave over 501 b. The period under review was not the flush of the season, and it is anticipated that when the testing for the next two months is completed some better figures will be shown, but what is tho chief aim is an indication of the cows that should be culled; in this the farmers are Securing what they require. Of course, one test does not necessarily prove that a cow is a "dud," but if, after continuous testing, she still falls below the standard, then the farm is better without her, even if a. better substitute cannot be found.

No. of lb. id. Cows. Milk. Test. Fat. 29 3030 4.3 44.78 42 1071 4.2 •14.70 20 1021 4.1 42.00 25 .1050 3.9 4.1.40 1G 1024 4.0 40.92 .);> 937 4.3 40.18 15 1022 3.9 40.1.0