Not Opportune Time Yet For Artificial Insemination

Wanganui Chronicle, 28 October 1948, Page 10

Not Opportune Time Yet For Artificial Insemination

Discussions between the Herd Rearing: Council of the New Zealand Dairy Board and the Department of Agriculture had taken place and it had been generally agreed that the tune was not vet opportune for the initiation of artificial insemination in New Zealand stated a letter from the Department of Agriculture received at yesterday’s meeting of the Wanganui Provincial Executive of Federated Farmers. “This department has for several years carried out investigations into the technique of artificial insemination of dairy cows under New Zealand conditions and these investigations are still continuing,” stated the letter. “It is not intended that the department will undertake commercial artificial insemination of dairy herds as it is felt that this'would best be done by the dairy industry.” To this end a number of discussions had taken place. “If you consider that, there are special features in your district which would make the initiation of artificial insemination especially desirable, I would suggest that you write to Mr. A. H. Ward, Director of Herd Improvement to whom I am forwarding a copy of this report,” stated the letter which was signed by the Direc-tor-General of Agriculture. The letter was in answer to a request by the executive for the establishment of an artificial insemination centre at Massey Agricultural College to cater for the Wanganui. Manawatu and Rangitikei districts. The matter was raised by the Okoia branch at the September meeting, when the rapid deterioration of small herds with a corresponding falling off in production was mentioned. A copy of the reply is to be sent to the Okoia branch. “I think that these things will come in time.” said Mr. V. Horrocks. “They are doing this work at Ruakura now.’’ At a meeting in Wanganui on Tuesday night the matter had been referred to by a member of the Manawatu Jersey Cattle Breders’ Association, said Mr. A. R. Laird. He had said his association would co-operate and was sure that other breed associations would do the same. The scheme had been started in the Manawatu district last year, but had broken down through faulty technique. Mr. Laird said that only outstanding bulls would be used for artificial insemination.