HERD-TESTING

Waikato Times, Volume 117, Issue 19599, 11 June 1935, Page 2

HERD-TESTING

PROGRESS OF MOVEMENT.

INCREASE IN PRODUCTION.

DAIRY CONFERENCE REPORT

Interesting facts and figures are given in connection with the herdtesting movement in the report to be presented at the annual National Dairy Conference to be held in Palmerston North on June 26.

The report states that the estimated number of cows tested under the group system for the season just ended is approximately 255,000, a decrease of 20,000 cows in the number tested the previous season. It is anticipated that the total number of cows under test in the Dominion, including the Association Own- Samples’ figures, will exceed 275,000. The decrease can be attributed to the unsettled conditions of the overseas .markets, with the possibility of restrictions and quotas being placed on dairy farm products. In view of the facts disclosed from year to year, it is difficult to understand why the percentage of cows under test has not been raised to at least 40 per cent, which could be regarded as the ideal. That herd testing is a sound practice is. borne out in the increased production in the herds of those farmers who have consistently adopted' herd testing over a series of years. In many cases the increase has been in excess of 1001 b fat per cow. The logical conclusion to be drawn from the operations of herd testing is that if it pays the owners of approximately 300,000 cows to test their cows it must necessarily follow that it would pay the owners to test the remaining 1,600,000 cows. An Expert Opinion. The following is the considered •opinion of Mr A. 11. Cockayne, assistant Director-General of Agriculture in a letter to the Dominion Supervisor of Testing:— “It does look fair to me to say that cows when tested apparently produce about 201 b fat per year more than when not tested, and If such be the case then the argument for every year testing is sound, 201 b fat at. 94 being worth 15s and testing not costing more than about 4s 6d per cow.” An earnest appeal is made to dairy company directors to foster this essential part of the dairy industry, not only for the benefit of the individual supplier, but for the great benefit that will accrue to the industry as a whole.