DAIRY – HERD – TESTING ASSOCIATIONS.

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume XXVII, Issue 4, 20 October 1923, Page 211

DAIRY - HERD - TESTING ASSOCIATIONS.

REVIEW OF OPERATIONS FOR 1922-23 SEASON.

W. M. SINGLETON,

Director of the Dairy Division.

THE herd-testing matter published from time to time in the Journal has indicated the rapidly increasing popularity of the association system in the Dominion, the records of over

84,000 cows having been ascertained by this method during last season. We are now able to give a summarized review of the 1922-23 season’s figures available. The season itself was a most remarkable one for pasture-growth, and probably more favourable in general than the 1921-22 period.■ The fact that so large a number of herds, were tested for the first time last season has somewhat decreased the association average yield as compared with the preceding year ; but, all things considered, it must be accepted that the yield of the average cow under association test in New Zealand is very creditable.

For the 1922-23 season there were in operation 137 associations, fifty-seven of which, representing 34,558 cows, were controlled by officers of the Dairy Division. Of these fifty-seven associations average yields for fifty-six have been compiled, the remaining association having failed to continue sufficiently long to warrant including its figures in the present summaries.

, The following tabulated statement gives the position so far as associations conducted by Dairy Division officers are concerned :—

This shows an increase of six associations, 283 herds, and 7,059 cows. It may be mentioned, however, that although there is an increase of only six associations, eleven new ones are represented, five of the old ones having been taken off the Division’s hands.

The next table, again covering associations with records figured by officers of the Division, shows the average production of all cows in milk for 100 days and over. It will be seen that the average cow yielded 232-99 lb. butterfat in 227 days.

Days. Pounds Butterfat. Grand average of all cows .. .. 227 232-99 Highest association average .. .. . 273 311-47 Lowest association average . . .. .214 167-79 Highest individual herd . . . . . . 324 518-93 ’ Lowest individual herd ... . . . . 141 64-06 Highest individual cow .. . . . . 296 660-83 Lowest individual-cow .. .. .. 105 . 26-22 Average daily production of butterfat per cow . . 1-0269

Comparing these figures with the preceding year’s summary {Journal, August, 1922), it is shown that the average production of butterfat has ' decreased by 7-34 lb., and that there is a decrease of three days in the average number of days in milk. If, however, we add on three more days at 1-0269 lb. P er day, or 3-08 lb. for the three days, the season’s decrease is only 4-26 lb. butterfat, and the percentage decrease in average butterfat per cow per day only 1-77.

It has not been possible to collect complete data regarding the past season’s average yield for privately conducted associations, but we have been able to gather figures for twenty-five associations, representing

22 ,537 cows. The figures are summarized in the following table, which, in keeping with figures quoted hereinbefore, is based on all cows in milk ioo days and over: —

Days. Pounds Butterfat. Grand average of all cows . . . . 224 234-85 Highest association average . . . . 248 292-52 Lowest association average . . . . 170 159-49 Highest individual herd . . . . . . 290 490:30 Lowest individual herd .. .. ..no 69-20 Highest individual cow . . . . . . * 739-41 Lowest individual cow ' . . . . . . 1207 44-00 Average daily production of butterfat per cow .. 1-049

It may be stated that, although all dairy companies interested in this work were circularized for information regarding cow-testing returns, we have been unable to procure figures for the remaining fifty-five groups, representing 26,901 cows. It has been ascertained that many associations fail to keep adequate records, merely figuring the returns and passing them on to the members, or else forwarding the sheets with the tests included, leaving the association member to

do his own figuring. As. the majority of dairy-farmers have not the time or the facilities to do the work properly, this method is- by no means satisfactory, and accounts in many instances for the gradual dwindling of . interest and the final cessation of operations. Apart from this, it may be mentioned that much value can be obtained from periodic and annual summaries. We would therefore urge the secretaries of privately conducted associations to compile these, as they not only form a valuable record for subsequent comparison, but create interest among the members themselves. Any reasonable service which tends to encourage interest among. the association members should be adopted, for without interest and enthusiasm the. movement cannot prosper.

Combining Tables 2 and 3, it is found that the 50,683 cows comprised showed an average production of 233-82 lb. of butterfat in 226 days. For the preceding season we .were able to compile figures from 21,087 cows, the average production being 240-33 lb. of butterfat in 230 days. There is shown, therefore, a small decrease in the production of the average cow in milk 100 days and over. Seeing, however, that the 1922-23 figures are for more than double the number of cows, representing many new herds, this decrease carries little significance. It will be apparent from these two tables that the inclusion this year of a summary of results from twenty-five privately controlled associations has not detrimentally affected the grand average, as the averages of Tables 2 and 3 are practically ■equal; in fact, the average for Table 3 is the higher of the two.

Now, while the average yield of cows in milk 100 days and over may indicate what the average cow under association test actually produced, it is not altogether a- fair indication of what the average dairy cow is capable of producing, because cows culled in the early stages of their testing-period, and animals sold, or withdrawn through sickness or other causes, are included. We therefore consider that .210 days is nearer the average normal lactation period, and have .accordingly included all records available for this duration in the following Table 4. This represents only associations controlled by the Dairy Division, as we were unable to procure from privately ■conducted associations summaries of this nature.

Days. Pounds Butterfat. Grand average of all cows .. . . 258 267-10 Highest association average . . . . 276 321-66 Lowest association average . . . . 246 192-89

Days. ■ Founds Butterfat Highest individual herd . . .. . ■ 324 5 I^- 93 Lowest individual herd .. ■■ .. 236 87-10 Highest individual cow . . ... .. 296 660-83 Lowest individual cow. .., .. .. 214 47'9° . Average daily production of butterfat per cow .. 1-0355

For purposes of comparison it may be mentioned that for the season 1921-22 there were included in a similar summary 9,101 cows, averaging 271-48 lb. butterfat in 261 days. This year's figures . from 18,747 cows show a decrease of 4-38 lb. butterfat and 3 days, but, considering the' greatly increased number of cows, this may be. regarded as almost negligible. ' ■

Comparing those associations which were in operation during both the two last seasons and for which summaries on the 210-day-and-over basis were prepared, it is found that twenty out of a total of thirty-two show an increase for last season over the preceding, while the remaining twelve show a decrease. The largest increase was one of 54-76 lb. butterfat on an average yield of 228-70 lb., which represents 24 per cent., the average days being practically the same. The largest decrease was one of 82-62 lb. on 326-22 lb., or 25-3 per cent. This was probably due to the number of days being less, and to the fact that many new herds had joined the association, while some of the old ones had fallen out. It must also be kept in' mind that 326-22 lb. butterfat is a high average, and is therefore more susceptible to seasonal and other influences. This case is typical of the twelve associations which showed decreases, since all had been running for four or more years, with the exception of three, which had been in operation for three years, the decreases for the latter three being small. It has been noticed that after the third or fourth- year of continuous operation association averages will often be found to go back somewhat. This may be accounted for by the fact that after three or four years of testing, with its resultant culling and selection, the average production of a herd reaches that stage where further increase is difficult, and where feed, care, and general conditions bear a more marked influence. About this stage also we find that the personnel of the older-established associations changes, many of the original members discontinuing —for a time at least. This also tends to decrease the average, which in due course will, ‘ as the result of culling and selection in the newer herds, rise again. It is this changing of members which makes it difficult by means .of figures relating to association averages to truly, show what improvement has been effected, the newer herds nullifying the increases in the older.

Comparing the same thirty-two associations referred to previously, it has been found that as between the two past seasons there is an increase of i-8 per cent., the average production having risen from 271 lb. butterfat in 261 days to 275-87 lb. in 263 days, the number of cows being 8,140 and 7,899 respectively. To obtain the true course of an association’s activities, however, it would be necessary to compare the same herds, rather than the same association, from season to season. Could this be done we feel confident the figures would show a larger increase..

It has been estimated that the average dairy cow in New Zealand yields approximately 168-42 lb. of butterfat per season, while the

records available, which are for 50,683 cows, show that the average cow under association test, and in milk 100 days and over, produced during the past season 233-82 lb. butterfat. We recognize that the majority of the herd-testing association members are the more progressive .dairy-farmers, but we believe that if every dairy-farmer would test his cows, and study his records and act on them, it is reasonable to expect that the whole of our dairy cows could be brought to the average production of those tested. The difference in yield is roundly 66 lb. butterfat, and there are 1,248,643 dairy cows in the Dominion. Taking the value of■ butterfat at is. 6d. per pound, this represents, on an average production of 168-42 lb. butterfat, £15,772,234, whereas on 233-82 lb. it equals £21,896,828, a difference of no less than £6,124,594.

The opening-up of new land for dairying absorbs a large proportion of our poorer cows, but it may now be expected that each year, with more intensive dairying, there will be more scope for the selection of the better dairy cow, and when testing becomes more nearly general the . cull - cow problem should largely settle itself. The association testing - system will therefore be a much more powerful instrument than formerly for the improvement of our dairy herds.

The present opportunity is taken to thank those dairy companies which were good enough to supply us with annual summaries of results for associations under their control. The Dairy Division is endeavouring to collect the fullest possible/data regarding the production of our dairy cows, and any statistics which those conducting this work are able to supply will be always appreciated.

* One herd only in association average, and therefore not counted as highest association average.

* Number of herds in Association No. 23 estimated as 85.

* Days in milk not given; second cow, 293 days, 668-8iib. fat. f Second lowest cow, 213 days, 52-3 lb. fat.

* One herd only in association average.

1921-22. 1922-23 Number of associations 50 56 Number of herds 901 1,184 Number of cows 21,087 28,146 Average number of herds per association. . 18 21 Average number of cows per herd 23 24 Average number of cows per association . . .. 422 - 503

Table 1. —Summary of Associations conducted by Dairy Division Officers (all Cows in Milk 100 Days and over included), 1921-22 and 1922-23.

Association No. Number of Cows. Association AverageHighest Herd-yield in Association. Lowest Herd-yield in Association. Days. Butterfat. Days. Butterfat. Days. Butterfat. ’ I 191 . 242 lb. .229-05 207 lb. 26244 240 lb. 211-60 2 511 204 184-35 274 292-74 135 87-75 3 632 206 186-13 253 253-58 122 99-71 ■ 4 132 ■ 240 234-98 257 322-53 121 93-91 5 568 243 272-34 287 462-51 192 172-57 6 I , 127 239 ■ 265-22 ’ 293 4I3-95 182 145-82 7 64 204 186-98 207 229-45 119 108-07 8 1,266 244 - 281-96 278 445-03 130 85-46 9 299 220 23O-94 251 294-I5 . 127 164-28 IO 723 233 260-06 293 393-91 147 169-39 ii 162 231 253-62 303 348-I4 119 ' 143-54 12 1,244 191 178-98 ’ 275 318-87 ' 141 64-06 13 1,052 I96 . I75-64 256 295-44 109 75'73 14 216 252 279-85 279 391'39 197 221-21 15 1,331. 252 279-88 282 359-8o 210 2I2-72 16 1,240 211 206-57 251 316-61 206 109-72 17 407 257 - 299-64 292 443-76 120 108-53 18 2,825 214 167-79 277 291-73 166 9O-32 19 244 24I 253-73 270 309-58 I42 IO9-5O 20 ,698 245 281-87 312 391-00 210 ■ 194-68 21 97 224 221-73 232 279-62 123 126-47 22 774 211 224-82 276 358-98 119 82-50 23 117 248 . 285-53 254 347-22 155 167-36 24 620 264 286-60 288 382-94 133 165-67 25 175 266 268-83 273 287-29 24I 239-48 26 240 254 253-08 273 33I-78 124 147-08 27 328 268 ' 275-06 296 356-88 217 204-88

Association No. ' Number of Cows. Association Average. . Highest Herd-yield in Association. Lowest Herd-yield in Association. Days. Butterfat. Days. Butterfat. Days. Butterfat. 28 213 240 lb. 235’74 269 lb. . 344’33 210 lb. 161-07 29 386 ■ 267 3O4-75 298 355-98 139 121-81 30 . 186 236 240-81 256 322-27 106 122-96 31 459 232 252-38 269 299-46 216 198-11 32 659 249 267-61 263 330:23 III 122-06 33 53 185 219-77 239 282-41 155 . 184-77-34 719 203 214-55 255 38i-74 ' - IOO 114-25 35 122 220 224-46 280 318-59 136 11.6-60 36 355 243 ' 235-6O 212 345-6i 168 120-79 37 146 256 27O-73 291 391-39 207 2H-73 38 657 238 222-56 292 312-17 123 129-59 39 335 226 244-33' 242 335-58 167 151-63 4° 266 214 . 232-37 252 364-5° 137 90-87 41* 13 28l . 366-37 42 525 158 194-77 153 24I-59 153 127-95 ■ 43 804 195 202-87 264 333-17 120 66-51 44 23 213 208-65 244 274-56 152 I39-3I 45 500 254 276-11 .296 364-64 249 233-89 46 155 250 262-71 304 376-09 . 233 210-15 47 246 213 248-33 28l 332-59 ■118 112-57 48 274 236 230-49 ■ 282 325-62 205 168-11 49 375 254 241-61 257 393'32 147 160-63 50 299 215 200-55 •218 285-74 109 100-72 . .51 115 273 3H-47 292 407-69 212 226-37 52 3i5 24O 280-68 260 342-52 162 152-96 53 390 218 223-03 239 293-81 116 117-75 • 54 205 272 310-91 324 518-93 200 221-19 55 905 197 ' I7I-55 263 395-8o 236 87-10 56 163 . 226 263-98 236 407-86 116 177-20

Table 2.- —Averages of all Cows in Milk 100 Days and over, for Associations conducted by Dairy Division Officers (56 Associations, 1,184 Herds, 28,146 Cows), 1922-23.

Association No. umber of Cows. Association Average. Highest Herd-yield in Association. Lowest Herd-yield in Association. Days. Butterfat. Days. Butterfat. Days. Butterfat. I 405 • 248 lb. 292-52 . 280 lb. 424-11 239 lb. 251-14 2 313 223 233'75 265 298-14 193 181-14 3 2,500 245 266-61 272 381-22 194 137-13 4 I 400 165 171-04 278 404-06 186 I55-87 5 371 182 I65-53 Il8 205-94 120 87-49 6 275 258 269-56 256 . 348-06 236 196-83 7 180 213 225-26 229 ■ 255-9O 204 I92-58 8 494 173 ' I74-O7 231 3O9-67 I IO 69-20 9 160 211 245-66 290 49O-3O 180 190-20 IO 1 200 231 225-00 277 446-7I • 209 93’88 11 i,53o 234 268-60 292 488-04 236 191-59 12 1,893 222 232-36 266 390’44 205 135-12 13 316 212 217-19 225 261-71 197 178-88 14 1,989 ■ 170 159-49 145 204-87 199 125-42 15 1 ,100 253 242-11 279 373-42 283 197-42 16 145 225 243-7I 267 317-70 182 127-87 17 1,957 259 277-80 312 - 373-75 203 121-22 . 18 208 184 176-00 244 247-00 160 IO5-OO ■ 19 281 24O ' 247-85 264 362-35 189 I93-7I 20 432 246 256-56 278 332-62 200 I 5 1 ’35 21 240 207 . 225-25 253 282-70 106 118-00 22 563 563 242 242 291-40 291-40 266 266 371-37 371-37 187 187 220-47 220-47 23 ,220 236 242-53 . 275 336-52 l6l 149-89 24 787 246 274-54 321 488-54 239 225-35 25 i,578 216 223-14 232 418-63 256 172-22 172-22 ’ ■

Table 3.—Averages of all Cows in Milk 100 Days and over, for certain privately conducted Associations (23 Associations, 901 Herds* 22,537 Cows), 1922-23.

Association No. Number of Cows. Association Average. Highest Herd-yield in Association. Lowest Herd-yield in Association. Days. Butterfat. Days. Butterfat. . Days. Butterfat. I 154 259 lb. 243-60 228 lb. 295-21 264 , lb. 240-05 2 246 246 248 248 225-23 225-23 274 274 292-74 292-74 221 221 166-09 166-09 3 309 243 216-54 253 253-58 216 I5O-72 4 109 . 260 254-21 257 322-53 258 . 212-87 5 437. 263 298-50 287 462-51 221 205-00 6 832 263 288-07 298 430-28 215 175'45 7 32 259 204-78 244 273-29 264 181-94

Association . No. Number of Cows. Association Average. Highest Herd-yield in Association. Lowest Herd-yield in Association. Days. Butterfat. Days. Butterfat. Days. Butterfat. 8 1,034 260 . lb. 304-08 •278 lb. ' ' 445-03 214 lb. 212-42 9 184 -262 27 o -35 263 3II-I3 -263 215-75 IO 522 260 286-73 297 402-37 229 164-85 ii 107 271 295-26 303 348-I4 248 ' 238-73 12 450 239 223-46 • 295 349’45 219 114-47 13 477 236 219-81 255 292-39 221 120-47 14 179 268 293-08 289 400-78 225 233-23 15 1,171 264 292-34 282 359-8o 24O 232-68 16 693 247 244-77 251 ■ 316-61 250 137-02 17 337 276 321-66 292 443-76 28l 252-77 18 1,689 246 192-89 239 298-10 235 109-02 19 197 256 267-87 273 ■ 3O9-73 239 202-62 20 1,321 267 301-05 313 39I-OI 231 206-22 21 72 252 246-87 241 285-84 26l 237-25 22 412 252 ■ 276-28 288 375'00 2l8 138-45 ■ 23 9i 274 3I4-25 273 ' 370-00 ' 254 285-29 24 561 276 298-37 288 382-94 26l 186-07 25 161 276 278-13 273 287-29 248 255-O7 26 208 269 269-24 273 . 33I-78 268 233-57 , 27 300 276 283-97 288 361-11 286 240-92 28 169 256 257-81 269 344’33 26l 185-85 29 342 277 312-82 298 355-98 283 251-86 30 151 ,260 265-02 . 276 - 356-39 . 258 224-52 31 ' 380 242 263-66 269 299-46 225 235-61 32 579 260 279-63 267 334'02 238 162-98 33 15 252 297-52 * * * 34 . 377 237 254-22 227 431-83 222 189-91 35 64 268 269-77 290 - 327-22 26l 222-40 36 298 258 242-79 256 438-52 235 157-34 37 127 268 283-46 291 391’39 274 226-79 38 483 269 252-69 . 299 310-75 253 200-90 39 204 259 282-39 255 369-10 ■ 223 211-07 40 147 255 275-23 252 364-50 213 193-22 4i 13 281 366-37 * ❖ ❖ ❖ 42 8 216 246-47 210 279-74 217 184-33 43 302 248 245-94 224 339-35 247 194-32 44 14 252 253-23 244 274-56 264 224-79 45 419 269 292-26 296 364-64 268 254-53 46 131 262 279-37 304 376-09 246 228-76 47 141 254 297-92 285 335’86 214 226-45 48 203 256 26I-IO 282. . 325-62 233 201-78 49 325 266 254-47 257 392-32 254 162-82 50 184 . 248 223-62 233 312-44 222 159-28 51 108 278 317-69 292 407-69 ■ 223 227-85 52 263 252 298-22 269 352-40 232 196-25 53 251 249 ' 25I-96 264 475-92 24I 194-26 54 • ‘ 187 281 318-90 324 518-93 247 238-52 55 463 236 214-16 263 395-8o 236 87-10 56 114 256 295-52 247 427-60 234 239-11

Table 4. — Averages of all Cows in Milk 210 Days and over, for Associations conducted by Dairy Division Officers (56 Associations, 970 Herds, 18,747 Cows), 1922-23.