N.Z. HERD TESTING ASSN.

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 727, 29 July 1929, Page 10

N.Z. HERD TESTING ASSN.

INCREASING ACTIVITIES IMPROVEMENT IN TEST A substantial increase in the average production per cow under test is recorded in the. annual report of the New Zealand Co-operative Herd-Testing Association. The following figures are given to show the increased support which has been accorded the association since its formation in 1922:—1922-23, 6 groups, 157 herds, 6.900 cows tested; 1923-24, 25 groups, 630 herds, 31,003 cows tested; average production, 207.511 b fat in 237 days; 1925-29, 63 groups, 1.712 herds, 75.943 cows tested, average production, 244.591 b. fat in 255 days. The association’s calf-marking scheme has been in operation for four seasons and it is also receiving increasing support. During the first season 641 calves were marked, and the next year there were 1.541. In the 1927-28 season 3,339 were dealt with, while last year over 5.000 were marked to show they were the progeny of cows producing over 2501 b. fat for two-year-olds, and over 3001 b. fat lor mature dams. The highest group was Ngarua, with an average of 304.711 b fat in 276 days, while Mr. J. 1,. Clark, of Manawaru, again secured the distinction of owning the best producing cow. This animal, a grade Jersey, gave 7691 b. fat in 284 days. The same cow yielded S27lb. fat in 293 days in the previous season. The highest herd yields were;—Up to 20 cows, Mrs. E. Matheson, Kumeu group, 4 cows, an average of 405.751 b. fat in 276 days; 21 to 30 cows, H. H. Don, Te Aroha West group. 29 cows, 4001 b. fat in 292 days; 31 to 50 cows, J. Bones, Ohaupo group, 35 cows, 359.911 b. fat in 307 days; 51 to 75 cows, J. Nicholson, senr., Okoroire group, 66 cows, 385.391 b. in 304 days; 76 to 100 cows, T. J. Hickey, Te Aroha West, 89 cows, 364.761 b. fat in 2SO days; over 100 cows, P. H. Rowe, Otorohanga, 10S cows, 328.251 b. fat in 2SO days.