JERSEY DEMONSTRATION

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXV, Issue 4680, 28 March 1924, Page 3

JERSEY DEMONSTRATION

Mil. H. E. B. WATSON AT'PAEROA

VALUABLE INFORMATION GIVEN.

Yesterday afternoon a uemonstration on Jersey cattle was given at Mr G. Buchanan’s farm, Paeroa, by Mr ,H. E. B. Watson, official demonstrator of the N.Z. Jersey Breeders’ Association, at the invitation of the Thames Valley Jersey Breeders’ Club. Mr G. Biichanan, president, welcomed Mr Watson on behalf of the Jersey cattle breeders of the district, of whom the following were present: Messrs B. E. Vcale, Tirohia; W. F. Johnstone, Paeroa; C. Tucker, Rotokohu ; W. J. Hall, Matatoki; W. Muir and C. Birch, Waihi; E. B. Tizard, Thames : G. Tizard, Ngatea ; T. Feather, Waite - kauri; and j. Buchanan, Paeioa. A number of cows were inspected, and one was used for the demonstiation.

. Commencing his address, Mr Watson said that the progress made by the Jersey cattle in New Zealand during the past few years was verj satisfactory. and it was not to be wondered at when it was considered that the returns from the Jersey exceeded those from all other breeds. It had been proved conclusively, in the North Island especially, that the Jersey cow was the most economical cow. and had produced the largest net profit per acre—a very worthy factor where the price of dairying land was high. Mr Watson maintained that the Jerseys had done all that wf; claimed of them, and more. At the present time there were 36,009 female and 16,000 male Jersey animals registered in the stud book, which was a notable increase. Regarding the number of bulls registered as pedigree animals, the speaker contended that there was about onethird of the number not genuine but-ter-fat producing animals. The elim < itiation of the scrub bull was of the utmost importance if the dairying industry was going to progress on satvfactory lines, and pedigree animals that had not the butter-fat- backing should be destroyed, even though to do so would be a hardship to young breeders.

Mr Watson contended Hiat it was necessary to study more closely the breeding of larger-framed Jersey cattle, with quality of bone, depth of frame, and even proportions. Criticising the action of judges of Jersey cows in the show ring, Mr Watson raid that very often a diversity of opinion arose as to what points should be sacrificed. Some judges would hand out awards to animals with a true-to-type head, and pay little attention to productive capabilities. This, he contended, was incorrect; and so long cs the practice continued the : breed would make little headway. : Provided a cow showed undoubted 1 reductive, qualities, and was evenly ] roportioned In other respects, then s-ji -Ii points would compensate for a beast having a “dished” head and narrow muzzle. He was convinced that it was only a matter of a. few y ar.s when a cow would be judged ■according to the net butter-fat returns in proportion to its upkeep. It v as th ' breeding of such animals that mist be undertaken, at once by breed- <■ s if there was any desire to hand th.wn ’o the coming generation a Jers- y cow that could produce large returns. Breeding for type was not nearly so important as breeding for conmercial merit. Type should mean a, combination of good quality and character, and it should be remembered never’to sacrifice type for utility. THO DEMONSTRATION. ; Coming to the actual demonstration on a cow, Mr Watson- drew attention to the necessity for large, open spaces between the ribs, which spaces gave •a clear indication tf breadth arid depth of body, a sound dairy poiir.. Flat loins were not desirable, but sloping loins and raised hack, with sc rated vertebrae. The mammary system was described, showing the difference between milk veins and varicose veins, the latter very often being mistaken for the former. It might not be generally ki<wn, said Mr Watson, that 85 per cent, of the milk was actually made in the mammary system while the animal was being milked. The abuse of cows was not to be tolerated. Apart from the effect of cruelty to dumb animals, a blow struck a cow immediately had the effect of reducing the milk supply, because the blood which pressed on the milk vessels and caused the milk to accumulate and flow naturally, was immediately diverted to the brain, and as soon as the bloo l pressure was removed the flow slackened off. “After all is said and done,” co’itined the speaker, “the cow is the roster-mother of the human race, and is deserving of good treatment.” The' respiratory system was fully explained, and the various points to be looked for in the dairy' cow were reviewed at some length. The digestive and nervous systems were briefly

touched on, and it was shown that a good, skin, large eyes, and breadth of forehead went to denote that the nervous system, which really governed the .secretion of milk, was in a healthy condition. The great difference between beef, dual purpose, and genuine dairy cows war explained at some length. Mr Watson said that it was most . - essential that breed charajcteristic.s * be maintained as far as possible, but points of utility should not be sacrificed. He was of the opinion that the Jersey cow was the greatest “dairy machine” in the world, and the best four-footed lady that ever walked. The spectators were counselled fo use their best endeavours to eliminate scrub bulls, for the desired results could only be obtained by using bulls with the butter-fat backing behind them. Bulls with a long line of pedigreed ancestry were of little use unless there were figures of production to back up their pedigrees. A plea was made that the established breeder should give the young dairyman every encouragement ami - /"dielp. and give willingly and wisely, as ' it was only by this means that the breed could prosper and hold its premier position in the world of dairy cows. Mr Watson said that the mere that was taken from a cow, the greateffort should be to treed con-

stitutipnally sound animals. A factor to be remembered was that function would always determine form.

A tour of inspection was then made of a line of Jersey heifers, at the conclusion of which Mr Watson congratulated Mr Buchanan on the. quality of his stock and. commented favourably on the success gained by him as r breeder. Three bulls were them inspected, and Mr Watson explained various points of interest in the animals before him and.drew attention to defects which xvere to be looked for in selecting an ideal stud animal.

At the conclusion of the demonstration Mr Buchanan, on behalf of those present, thanked Mr Watson for his address, and assured hirii that valuable information and hints had beergained that .afternoon. Tn reply Mr Watson thanked the gathering for the interest taken in hiremarks, and assured them that it gave him pleasure to meet them all and accord any help or advice at his disposal. He concluded by wishing the breeders every success for the future.