TARANAKI FARM SCHOOL.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 4 July 1924, Page 2

TARANAKI FARM SCHOOL.

MANAGEMENT AND CARE OF DAIRY STOCK. This subject was fully dealt with by Mr. Ford on. Friday morning. He said: The question of locality w r as one of importance when dealing with dairy breeds; it was no good having a breed of cows that • was not suitable to the particular envii’onment where the'farm was located. A young man may have been associated with a certain breed from childhood days, but on strinking out on his own had come to-a district where that breed of cows would not do. It was no doubt hard to break off early associatipns, but this had to be done if success xvas to come of the venture. The buying of promiscuous cows in the saleyard was no way to build up a herd; good cows could be procured elsewhere these days at a reasonable rate. The dehorning of dairy stock was desirable ; this should be done when they are calves, using caustic potash on the young horn. An important factor in the sire was masculine character, with a butter-fat record behind him, dating back over a period of several generations, and must be of a strain of calfgetters. Some sires are shy breeders. In this country there is no heed to stable the stock during the winter, but shelter is an essential with dairy stock if they are to do well. With regard to -feeding, it is no use getting good stocg together and expecting good results if the farmer is not prepared to feed his stock. High breed and low feed are a bad combination, and good water is also ah essential. More than ordinary pasture is necessary to get good results, and supplementary fodder crops that suit each locality must be grown. In-calf cows should be well done during pregnancy, as the carrying of the calf is a- big drain on her system. Feed easily digested food for a few days after calving. It is estimated that every 251 b of milk contains 2oz of lime and loz of phosphoric acid One-half of the minerals mentioned can be assimilated, so it can be seen that twice this amount must be fed .to the stock through the medium of the feed. In dealing with the milking shed, Mr. Ford pointed out how essential it was to have godo drainage, and to get this the shed should be situated on an elevated position. The walls should be concrete up to the height of four feet and finished smooth on the inside to facilitate cleaning. The concrete floor should be kept clean and sweet. [Mouldy hay should on no account bo [led to stock, as fodder poisoning may [result. Where this trouble is located, !the cow should be given some opening medicine with intestinal antiseptics. Mr. Ford then dealt at length on sterility, mammitis. bad feet, sore teats red water, and numerous other diseases and was backed up by Mr. Mood, M.R.C.V.S., in his treatment and remedies. At the conclusion of bis questions, and some lengthy discussions lecture Mr. Ford was deluged with took place A vote of thanks was passed to the speaker.