IMPROVING THE HERDS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17061, 20 September 1929, Page 4

IMPROVING THE HERDS

THE PROGRESS OF TESTING AIMS OF THE FEDERATION The progress of herd-testing in New Zealand was referred to in a statement made in Hamilton by Air. Dynes Fulton, as president of the Dominion Group Herd-Testing Federation. It was the objective of the federation, said Air. 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,(XX) cows were being tested under the group, system, which was commenced in 1922. Air. Fulton said it was tho aim of the federation to increase the Dominion production average of 5001 b. of butterfat a cow. It was estimated that each 101 b. increase in the Dominion average amounted in the aggregate to an additional £1,000,000. There were jnuiiy cases on record where a farmer Tfad increased his herd average over a period of five years by 1001 b. of fab per cow. His expenses remained approximately the same, but tho increased income made all tho difference, between profit and loss. Continuing, Air. Fulton said it was gradually recognised that herd-testing was really an educational work, in that it led 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 that they would bo recognisable as such, and would therefore be 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 tho pedigree bulls being used in the industry. Although much had been accomplished there remained yet much to be done, concluded Air. Fulton. . With a view to co-ordinating and extending the work of tho various associations, Mr. C. M. Hume, of Hamilton, had been appointed federation supervisor.—Auckland Herald.