THE MONTH'S WORK.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 195, 28 July 1916, Page 4

THE MONTH'S WORK.

This is usually one of the coldest and wettest months of the year, and pasture growth is practically at a standstill; so now is the time when we really value the possession of an ample supply of hay or ensilage, or even, it muy be, straw. Although we may possess a full supply of roots or green stuff, yet taeir value is considerably lessened unless wo feed some dry fodder with them, for the large amount of water which is necessarily found in any succulent fodder has, at this time of year, to be raised many degrees in temperature before it can prove of much benefit to the animal body. Ileat is maintained by the consumption of fool and the more heat we have to raise the more focd we require for the given purpose in cold weather; so we see the practical necessity of sparing in feeding cold green stuff at certain seasons. Particularly at this time of the year we should make some such dry fodder as hiy the base on which to feed. For dry cows oat straw and turnips will prove both beneficial and sufficient; but for in-milk cows mangolds, kale, or some specially grown green oats (or similar feed) should be added to hay to provide the due amouut of succulency so necessary to the production of milk.

For some years past July has been made the opening month of the new dairy season, for experience has proved that the earlier in the season a cow calves, the more milk she returns for that season, providing, of course, that she is not starved in the process. Early calves also thrive best, unaoubtedly, and if they are well fed, such mature- almost a year earlier than those dropped late in the season; for early calves on arriving at the age of two years develop a frame quite equal to that of three-year-olds of a later birth, aud for future milking purposes a year's profit is thus gained at no expense to the animal's constitution. Some dairymen prefer to remove the calf from the cow as soon as possible after being dropped, but the writer prefers allowing the calf to run with the mother for even twentyfour hours after calving, as duiiog this time tbe calf has drawn off all colostrum, which is necessary for regulating the bowels. Further than this, the cow is allowed to remain iu at least partial contentment after the excitement of calving, and in cold bleak weather this may count for a good deal. Skim-ploughing, if preferred, for next season's root crops may be done now, as the late frosts, which are usually our heaviest, will do much to sweeten the soil.

Cropping operations are now practically at a standstill for a time, and the most we can do in this direction is to prepare land for spring sowing. It has been noticed in some localities that land which had been ploughed some considerable time has thrown better crops of turnips than that which had been more recently done. This is a matter which may apply equally so to mangold or kale growing, and it may prove well woith demonstrating by extended experiment.—"N.Z. Dairyman."