HERD-TESTING

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 86, 2 July 1927, Page 10

HERD-TESTING

The number of cows tested by the New Zealand Co-operative Herd-Test-ing Association last year was 62,218, which was an increase 0£*«4,512 over the previous year. A total of 1,432 herds was dealt with, and this again showed an increase of 96 herds. The 52 groups in the association were three more than in the previous year. Cows to the number of 6,466 were classed in the B grade, being those that, through various causes, had not reached a certain standard of butter-fat production. The average for the whole of the cows under association test, totalling 60,507 cows, was 255.491 b. in 250 days—a record for any co-operative herdtesting association in either New Zealand or Australia. The championship among the groups was gained by Manawaru. The highest producing cow in the association was a pedigree Friesian animal owned in the Te Hoe district, with a butterfat production of 7551 b. In the Te Awamutu group the average per cow wa5"278.351b. in 261 days; last year the figures were 251.731 b. in a testing period of the same number of days. The best of 50 or less cows in this group gave an average of 362.171 b.; the best in the section for herds exceeding 50 cows was 330.841 b. From approximately 1,250 cows the individual increase in butter-fat from last season was over 261 b. This, on the basis of Is 3d a lb. butter-fat represents a little over £2,000 to the dairymen in Te Awamutu group—an acceptable cheque. In Te Kawa district group the herd average was 260.941 b. in 258 days, compared with last year’s average of 226.011 b. in 247 days. The best herd of Tess than 50 cows averaged 375.871 b.: the best herd in the second group averaged 311.051 b. The Kiliikihi group’s figures showed an increase over last season. For 1927 the herd average was 266.431 b. in 265 days, against 244.381 b. in 258 days the previous year. Best of the smaller herds averaged 348.611 b., while the best of the larger herds averaged 314.331 b. Otorohanga Group.—Herd average for season was 265.451 b. in a period of 243 days, as compared with 256.921 b. in 249 days the previous seasv The best small herd average was 333.741 b. and the best large herd average was 343.141 b. The Otewa group also had interesting figures, the herd average for the season being 220.131 b.. us compared with 212.451 b. in 225 days. The best herd of less than 50 cows averaged 3041 b., and the best in the large herd section averaged 225.931 b. Paterangi Group.—Average for 1927, 251.981 b., as against 231.921 b. for 250 days last year. Best small herd average was 379.241 b.. and the best large herd average was 321.101 b.