On the Land.,

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 637, 13 April 1929, Page 27

On the Land.,

Housing Dairy Cattle

Question for Consideration

ALTHOUGH, up to tlie present, it lias not been thought necessary to consider the advisability of housing New Zealand dairy cattle during the winter, the day is not far distant when the question will require to be investigated in some districts. That is, if New Zealand dairy farmers are to maintain the general move toward higher levels of production which has been registered over the past decade.

Already, in districts of heavy soils and imperfect drainage systems, the question of housing the dairy cattle during the winter months has received serious consideration, a few farmers even carving out practical tests. The Hauraki Plains district is a case to the point. For practically six months of the year the ground in those parts is wet and sodden. The feed available for the stock is sparse and mostly sour. Stock continually tramping over the flat pastures work up the surface and tend largely to interfere •with the growth of the grass in the spring. For several months of the cold season, especially in the early spring when the cows are heavy in calf, <>r newly-calved and carrying a big bag, there is scarcely a dry spot on which to camp. Under such conditions the cattle cannot be expected to give their best. There is another aspect of the question to consider. Tramped in and broken by the hooves of the cattle during the cold months, the pastures Suffer and the surface, when the equinoxial gales come in the spring, dry hard and broken. Such conditions are not peculiar to reclaimed swamp areas such as the Hauraki Plains. Much of the best and richest country in the Dominion is Affected that way. Cattle housed during the winter jrould be assured of shelter in all leathers and a comparative evenness fit temperature. They would have tegular food and approach calving and the new milking season in a condition ♦ell suited to heavy production. To be in accord with all other phases bl the industry, therefore, where scientific management, having regard to methods which give the greatest economic result, is rapidly taking the place of the old haphazard and easygoing ways of management, it can be seen that the housing of high producing herds in the winter months well merits serious consideration.

The question is all one of cost and, while it certainly would not be expedient to advocate the adoption of the principle generally, It Is certain that in many districts dairymen could exploit its possibilities to considerable advantage. A modern cow-shed to accommodate 30 to 40 heavy-producing cows can be constructed for a comparatively low cost, and according to plans which cut

down the difficulties of feeding and sanitation to a minimum. The question is well worthy of consideration. It is certain that the highest possible levels of production cannot be reached in many districts until something of this ' nature is adopted. Both the cattle and the pastures would benefit as a result, and both would be in better heart to work for heavy production during the summer months.