FRIESIAN CATTLE.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4545, 31 March 1923, Page 1

FRIESIAN CATTLE.

EXPORT TO AUSTRALIA. VALUABLE SHIPMENT. The demand from overseas countries tor New Zealand-bred stock continues to steadily expand, and the trade is proving to be a very valuable one. Friesian cattle, which have proved sensational butter-fat producers, in this country, are in the meantime in very keen demand. In this connection it, is of interest that the world’s record for butter-fat production is again held by a Friesian cow. This cow, Agassiz Segis May Echo, produced 13381 b of butter-fat in 365 days, just about eight times as much as the average dairy cow in New Zealand produces in one season. Many very close relatives of the new champion Canadian cow are owned in New Zealand herds. • Lately Australian breeders have done some direct porting from America, but this has not affected the trade between New Zealand and New South Walesi an I South Australia. It is reoprted that the last shipment was the most valuable yet made, the average price paid being a very high one. The selections forwarded were made from the wellknown herds of Messrs J. Grigg, Longbeach, Canterbury, T. H. Overton, Lakeside, Canterbury; T. Crossen. Canterbury; J. Donald, Wanganui ; H. W. Hoskin, Mangatoki, Taranaki ; and W. I. Lovelock, Manawatu. With the exception of a stud bull from the Longbeach herd this shipment comprised all females. Five of these had won chaihpionship honours. Although many of the cows were up in years, as much as 1000 guineas was paid for a trio of these from one stud. In addition to these cattle there is still to be shipped to Mr Col-, lins the wonderful sire, Woodcrest Pietje Pontiac. Many Australians have attempted at different times to buy this great bull, and it remained for the wealthy Australian breeder to make a deal. Mr J. Donald, of Westmere, his owner, recently decided to disperse his Westmere herd, but announced that he would keep his herd sire. This was Mr Collins’ opportunity, and he made the most of it. Woodcrest Pietje Pontiac is a wonderful animal, and has the following test, d daughters ; Woodcrest Maud, 6501 b of butter-fat at two years of age, and 9861 b at four years (both Australian records for all breeds) ; Woodcrest Lady Netherland, 9331 b of butter-fat at five years (champion mature Friesian cow of Australia) ; Pontiac Princess, 8311 b of butter-fat (winner of gold medal in New Zealand) ; Woodcrest Netherland Queen, 7921 b of butter-fat (fecord made .n New South Wales) ; and many others. Mr Donald, who selected this bull as a calf, has been declared to be Australasia’;? greatest dairy cattle breeder. In addition to breeding the above he has also bred a two-year-old heifer which produced 8051 b of butter-fat (a world's record at the time), and a four-year-old heifer which produced 9391 b of butter-fat (a New Zealand record for all breeds), and another cow he exported to New South Wales produced 8661 b of butter-fat. No similar accomplishment has been credited to any dairy cattle breeder in any part of the world, America not excepted.