A GOOD BUTTERFAT COW.

Shannon News, 12 January 1923, Page 3

A GOOD BUTTERFAT COW.

1191.8 IN ONE MONTH

The Shannon Testing Association's results from October to January are available, and show that for October only four herds were tested. The best herd for that month was one of seven cows, which gave an average return of 46.841 b fat with a 3.8 test. The second herd's performance was better, as the 29 cows averaged 45.251 b, the. test being 3.8: The other two- herds averaged 42.471 b and 41.891 b respectively, and the average for the whole of tihe herds was 44.131 b fat and 3.9 test. The best individual cow gave a return of 65.521 b of fat, testing 5.3, and W;is in the herd occupying second place. In November, seven herds were tested, the one occupying second place last month moving up to premier position with an average production of 57.171 b fat and a test of 4.3 for 31 cow&. Second place was filled by a herd placed third in. October, the output averaging 44.171 b and test 4.0. Individually, the best record was held by a member of the leading herd, which also produced the best cow in the previous month. Her production was 73.081 b and test 4.2. The next highest output was 61.381 b. The seven herds averaged 42.351 b for the month .and tested 4.0.

The same herds were tested in December, and the herd leading last month was again in pride of place with an average of 51.031 b of fat and a test of 4.4. The best individual cow's record is one worthy of remark. She. is owned by Mr J. Swindlehurst, aim her output was the excellent one of 110.341 bof fat—a record j that will take some beating in this district or elsewhere. Her test figare was 7.8, and from this it is evident that Mr Swindlehurst has an animal of exceptional quality. Mr Swinulehur.st also owns the herd at the head of the averages for November and December. The average tor the whole of the seven herds for December was 40.211 b fat and test 4.2. The month la January 2 found the same seven herds on the list. The herd in leading position last month rs still in front with practically the same average output as last month, 51.091 b fat, the herd having been increased meantime from 33 to 35 cows. 'Their average test was 4~.5. The near-

est herd lo the leader averaged 39.161 b fat, or 121 b less. Quality of stock here stands out prominently. Mr Swindlehurst's cow again outdistanced her opponents with a production of 118,801 b, or less than lib behind iter record of December. Her test was 8.8. when it is stated that the best individual cow or the'other herds only gave 58.801 b nil, the merit of the leading cow's performance wil be recognised. This month the whale of the herds averaged 38.491 b fat, the test being 4.3.