THE SCIENCE OF DAIRYING.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 July 1929, Page 8

THE SCIENCE OF DAIRYING.

Two addresses have been given in Taranaki during the past few days that should be of value to all concerned in the welfare of the dairy industry. The first was an address given by Mr. P. O. Veale, the scientist in charge of the laboratory established at Hawera by the Federation of Taranaki Co-opera-tive Dairy Companies. It dealt specifically with the processes of cheese manufacture, the results achieved by certain methods and practices, their effect upon yield, and therefore upon the payment received by the farmer; above all, their effect upon the quality of the article manufactured for export. Mr, Veale was addressing the managers of the more important factories in the province, and the fact that the meeting recorded its assent to the conclusions he arrived at is proof of their value. The second address was given by Mr. W. M. Webster, a Government veterinarian, who is engaged in the investigation of certain disorders among livestock in Taranaki, particularly those affecting dairy cows. What must strike the impartial reader of the two addresses is the simplicity of the advice given by the two experts. In factory management it goes without saying that very thorough training in technical procedure is essential before a man is qualified to take charge of manufacture, but Mr. Veale’s address showed how the scientist’s special training could take up results that seem almost inexplicable' to skilled factory managers, and show how they follow causes that are scientifically definable, and that where correction of method is necessary it is often a simple matter. Mr. Webster dealt with the actual production of the raw material. He explained the breeding and care of the dairy herd, and demonstrated the practice that should 'be followed in health as well as in sickness. In his address too the advice was simple to a degree. It resolved itself into general observation and care of livestock to keep them not only healthy, but profitable. Prevention of disease is what the farmer should aim at, and the way is to be found in decent treatment of livestock in regard to housing, food and attention that takes some notice of the peculiarities of constitution and temperament of the various animals that make up an average dairy herd. The advice was not new. It has been given by the department of which Mr. Webster is an official for the past generation, but it is evident that full heed has not been given thereto. There is undoubtedly room for considerable research into disorders which are now a handicap and may become a grave menace to the dairy industry. This, Mr. Webster assured his hearers, is now proceeding. It will require the co-operation of the stock-owner with the scientist if the diseases are to be overcome, and the farmer can best do so by following the advice given to keep his stock healthy and profitable and, incidentally, much less likely to become infected with disease.