TESTING COWS.

Matamata Record, Volume II, Issue 64, 10 January 1918, Page 1

TESTING COWS.

Silos and Separators. Results in America. Silo construction, attention to separators, and the disposal of unprofitable cows, says the " Minnesota Farmer," featured the activities of the Minnesota cow testing associations during July. The summary of the work of these organisations during that month, prepared by W. A. McKerrow of the University Farm, St Paul, shows that many " cream thieves" (separatoi's doing inefficient work) were repaired or replaced ; that many new silos were under construction, and that great interest was shown in better producing stock. Many farmers, it is stated may be excused for keeping " boarder " cows, but there is no excuse for a separator that wastes butterfat. During July, 170 separators were tested in nine associations. It was found that 44 or 33 per cent were doing poor work. One farmer with 10 cows found that he was losing 6s 6d a day. The other 43 were 'losing lesser amounts. The separator to do efficient work should leave less than .005 to .03 pounds of butterfat in 100 pounds of skim milk. The skim milk from one machine was found to contain 1.10 per cent butterfat. A few turns of the cream screw will often remedy these conditions. Four new separators replaced " cream thieves " during July in the New Richland-Ellendale association. Members of this association also bought 25 head of registered cows and heifers of the dairy breeds and three farmers sold their grade herds to members of other cow testing associations. Four herds averaged better than 25 pounds of fat. The association is now planning a dairy tour to successful dairy farms.

The St Charles association reported a deal of interest in better producing stock. To date, 150 dairy cows and heifers and nine pure-bred bulls have been purchased by members. Sixteen herds averaged more than 25 pounds of fat and 18 cows produced over 40 pounds. The tester for the Eagle Bend association found two separators doing very inefficient work, and they will be replaced. Skim milk tests during the month also showed that members producing thick creaj) (35 per cent) did not lose any more butterfat than when producing thin cream (20 per cent). Eleven herds averaged over 25 pounds of fat. The Pioneer association led all others in July summary with 22 herds averaging 25 pounds of fat or better, and 45 cows producing more than „40 pounds each. Ten separators were found to be stealing cream. The Scandia association has been reorganised for its second year. During the month 11 herds averaged 25 pounds of fat or more and 28 cows produced, over 40 pounds. During Sthe year just closed 60 cows were disposed of on account of poor production. Forty-two dairy cows were bought to repla'ce these " boarders," 20 of which are purebreds. Ten registered sires were bought. Three replaced scrubs and the others replaced sires of inferior breeding. The records show that 181 cows completed a full year's test, and of these, 39 or 21.5 per cent made over 300 pounds of fat during the year. Three hundred pounds of butterfat a year has been the goal at which many farmers have aimed in grading up their herds, but it is expected to raise the standard for the coming year to 400 lbs. Three herds averaged over 300 pounds of fat for the year. While not so difficult to secure a 300 pound cow, it is a noteworty achievement to have an entire herd that will average over 300 pounds for twelve months. One farmer replaced 6 of his cows and doubled his cream cheque. The Byron association is a record association as 21 of the 22 herds in the association averaged over 25 pounds of fat during July. Forty-five cows averaged over 40 pounds. Nine herds in the Dakota County association did better than 25 pounds of fat and 19 cows produced over 40 pounds of fat. One pure bred bull calf was bought to grow out into a future herd sire.

Members of the Dover association during July bought four pure bred cows ; one aged registered sire, and 12 grade cows to improve their herds. Six herds averaged over 25 pounds of fat and 16 cows exceeded 40 pounds. One new separator replaced one found to be testing 1 per cent butterfat in skim milk. The tester reports that the members saw the value of feeding grain last winter by cows doing so much on pasture. Ten poor producers in the Clark's Grove association were sent to the butcher during July. Seven registered cows and three purebred sires were purchased. The Stillwater association's tester reports that farmers in that neighborhood who are not members are interested, and plan to form a second placed one testing 8 per cent. Fourteen herds averaged over 251bs of fat in the month. Thirty two cows produced over 401 b, of which 10 produced over 501 b. Twenty poor producers in the Greenwood-Prairie association were sold and replaced heifers and pure bred cows. Eighteen herds averaged over2slb of fat in the month. Most of the members spray their cows to repel flies. To demonstrate the value of cow-testing work the Minnesota associations will have a demonstrational exhibition at the Minnesota State fair. The Minnesota State Dairymen's association has promised.£so to be used to cover the expense of bringing stock to the exhibit. Both poor and good cows will be shown to prove that the producing ability of a cow cannot always be determined by appearances. A complete record of feed, amount of milk and butter-fat for each cow shown will be displayed with the exhibit.