MILK AND BUTTER TEST.

Tuapeka Times, Volume XX, Issue 1414, 21 December 1887, Page 5

MILK AND BUTTER TEST.

The subject of testing the superiority of dairy cattle by the quantity of milk they give, and the amount of butter it will yield, is now receiving much attention in Britain. Cattle-judging by eyeaight and by the rule-of-thumb method has been for a long time carried out in the old country with very unsatisfactory results as to the usefulness of the animals for dairying purposes. It is now sought by prominent dairymen to institute the milk and butter test in lieu of the old system of judging by points and general appearance. This, in the long run, will, no doubt, be much mere satisfactory than tbe system in vogue at present. It is hopeful for this country tbat the Kiama Agricultural Association has, to a certain extent, adopted this method, and with the best results. Our general practice at present is to judge by symmetry, by touch, and by points. Breeders know very well to their cost how unsatisfactory those methods are.

By the milk and butter test there is a certain system and a record to work upon ; and a really good cow is more certain to be judged according to her merits, and to win a pre-eminence above all competitors. As judging goes at present, it is frequently a farce. The prize is not given to tbe most meritorious animal, but to the richest owner. And a division of prizes is often made, not according to merit, but to encourage certain persons. A prominent and successful exhibitor, when yarding hie cattle in a show yard last year f overheard a judge saying " Oh, there is Blank again with his cattle. We gave him all the prizes at . We must give them to somebody else to-day." This was highly encouraging to Blank as a breeder!