Practical Hints for the Dairy Farmer

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume 60, Issue 6, 15 June 1940, Page 432

Practical Hints for the Dairy Farmer

Here's An Idea!

By

/ G. A. BLAKE,

Fields Instructor, New Plymouth.

WITH so much of the dairy farmer’s rime raKen up in and around the milking shed, the provision of a well-equipped shed and yards (Fig.l) considerably reduces the milking time and adds to the comfort of the milkers. Without the provision, however, of a well-balanced pasture, (Fig.2) sufficiently topdressed and harrowed and rotation-

ally grazed, the animals are unable to return high yields. The importance of good shelter (Fig. 3) cannot be too heavily stressed, both for its effect on the stock and the paddocks. Well-sheltered fields are protected from drying winds, and do not become parched so early in the summer as less-protected areas. Similarly, sheltered pastures make

earlier growth in the early spring, thus decreasing the amount of hand-feeding necessary. Lawsoniania, boxthorn and barberry are useful varieties for subdivision fences, although Lawsoniania has the drawback of requiring double fencing. Macrocarpa, as illustrated, tends to grow away from the ground, thus causing draughts, and because of its size is better employed in conjunction with one of the above as a windbreak on the windward side of the farm. - Although natural running water has much to commend it, contamination from areas higher up the stream must not be overlooked. To obviate this, large troughs placed in the fence-line (Fig. 4) give easy access for the stock and prevent loss of production. When it is remembered that 87 per cent, of milk is water, the necessity of a good supply is easily recognised. Fig. 5 illustrates one of the most common losses on a dairy farm. The refuse collected from the shed and yards has a high manurial value, but, when left in a heap exposed to the weather, much of the plant food is lost. To conserve this food and gain the greatest value from it, every effort should be made to collect the droppings and distribute them over the farm in the form of liquid manure (Fig. 6). On an average, the shed cleanings from three cows is sufficient to topdress one acre of land per year; hence, its value is easily computed. Pigs form a highly remunerative sideline to dairying, and now that the Homeland requires increased quantities of bacon, the utilisation of our dairy by-products through the pig deserves attention. The first essential is a good layout (Fig. 7), complete with loading race,

ringing or detusking pen, and drafting yard. Too often do we see a good layout ruined by the runs being too small, which, in wet weather, results in a quagmire totally devoid of grass for grazing (Fig. 8). Under these conditions poor utilisation of the food results

in loss of revenue and a decreased output of pig flesh. The spread of disease is also accelerated, and in many instances this has caused farmers to give up pig-keeping, preferring either to give away or pour down the drain the skim-milk not required for calves. Under good management skim-milk may easily be worth one penny a gallon.

Each run should be equipped with a draught-proof house (Fig. 9 fitted with a board floor. (Note the battens over the join between the boards.) In damp or very hot climates it is advisable to place a felt or wooden sarking under the iron roof. Draughts in the sleeping quarters cause many ailments, with subsequent loss in decreased returns.

Fig. 10 illustrates a draughty type of house, the use of which is strongly condemned. Unless the body temperature of the pig remains practically constant both day and night too much of the food consumed is required for maintenance, and this is reflected in the animal taking longer to reach the desired weight.

Cleanliness is absolutely essential to the successful rearing of young pigs. When conditions are similar to those illustrated in Fig. 11 the suckers are called on to resist the effects of harmful germs or bacteria, and in many cases, as they are unable to do so, a high mortality rate exists.

Another cause of unthriftiness is the collection of a large number of pigs of different ages and sizes in one run (Fig. 12).

Unless ample troughs and food are available fighting occurs, and the wounds thus caused often lead to abscesses, resulting in the condemnation of that part of the carcass. The smaller animals are more or less starved and more liable to contract ailments. Overcrowding in the houses also occurs, resulting in smothering, while the liability to chills is increased.

Pig farmers would be well advised to obtain the Department’s Bulletin 177,

“Layout and Construction of Modern Piggeries,” price 2/- per copy, or 1/if ordered in bulk supplies of not less than 20 copies through a dairy factory. All photographs, with the exception of Fig. 2, are by the author.