WHAT THE TEST SHOWS.

Wairarapa Age, 21 March 1925, Page 6

WHAT THE TEST SHOWS.

DANNEVIRKE EXPERIENCE. The herd testing sheets of the Dannevirke Farmers’ Union Herd Testing Association for February appear to disclose, says tie “News” that there are some mighty poor .cows in this and that some herds must have a preponderance of “scrubs.” There may be some factor in the case which the test sheet of course does net show, for it must be remembered that the test samples are taken on only one occasion during the month, and the result for the month is estimated on that one day’s results.

When the herd average shows a very low production it might again logically be concluded that the eows are a poor lot. Here, again, however, there are factors to be taken into consideration—the size of the herd for instance. It is not to be expected that the average, “estimated” over a large herd would be so high as that over a few cows. Next year’s test sheets, if tihe lessons of this seasen are carried out, should see a big decrease in the number of cows averaging less than 10 lbs of butter-fat a month, and a considerable increase in the individual and association herd average production. But it can’t be done all at once.

If the cow, after being given a chance, does not prove herself, she should be dried off, fattened as quickly as possible, and despatched to the butchers. It is indeed easy enough to get rid of the robber cows—to replace them with better is another story. The question first to be considered is, is it well to replace them? The writer has known 40 or 50 head milked on a farm which will Ohly support 30 decently. In that ease the proper course is to pick out the 10 or 20 “worst” cows and stick to the balance. Probably next season will show the surprising fact that from the 30 picked cows the factory will get more milk and the farmer receive Digger cheques, than he did for his 50 previously, and (his expense will be less, so he makes money both ways. If in addition he spends a few pounds on fertilisers and top dresses his pastures, Ms return will be still further increased. On the farm however, which will really carry its stock well, the cheapest way to improve the herd is to buy a good bull of proved milking strain, save the heifer calves from the best cows, and do them well, In two years there should be a lot of good young cows ready to milk. In another two years there should be the foundation of a first class herd on that farm, and the road to success is assured.