Stud Cattle Breeders' Page.

Southland Times, Issue 21091, 24 May 1930, Page 15

Stud Cattle Breeders' Page.

MEETING. OF JERSEY BREEDERS! ROMNEY BREEDER’S CLAIM FAILS

JERSEY BREEDERS. ANNUAL REPORT OF ASSOCIATION. STEADY PROGRESS REPORTED. The annual report of the New Zealand Jersey Cattle Breeders’ Association to be submitted at the twenty-eighth annual meeting of members to be held at Hawera on Tuesday, June 10, 1930, states that the period under review has been one of the most progressive in the history of the association. Finance.—The financial position, as disclosed by the balance-sheet, shows a very satisfactory state of affairs, and is a true indication of the soundness of the association.

Membership.—267 new members were elected during the year, which brings the total membership up to 1982. Each year shows a large, increase, and this provides ample evidence that the popularity of the Jersey cow is ever growing. Registrations.-—This department continues to show a steady increase, the number of animals to date registered total 106,626, this number being comprised of 45,117 males and 61,509 females. Transfers. —Throughout the year a total of 10,627 animals were transferred, being 5848 males and 4779 females. During that period there was an especially heavy increased demand for bulls with C.O.R. pedigrees, which is sufficient indication of the pre-eminence of Jersey bulk as dairy sires. C.O.R. Test.—During the year ended December 31, 1929, certificates were gained by 367 cows under semi-official test. The average production was 456.951 b butterfat, which must be considered highly satisfactory. Of the 367 cows tested, 164 were junior two-year-olds, which is approximately half of the number of Jerseys tested. This makes the performance this year highly meritorious, and brings home forcibly one of the many outstanding characteristics of the breed, viz., early maturity. With a view to encouraging testing, the council has increased the subsidy for each 1001 b butterfat over the minimum amount necessary to gain a first-class certificate, from £1 1/- to £1 10/-, and also agreed to pay half of the fee (£4 4-) to members testing their first cow, provided that at least 1001 b butterfat over the minimum qualification was produced in each case. This year 256 cows owned by 122 members earned subsidies which amounted to £674 17/-, while £63 was paid to 15 members testing their first cows. Worthy of special mention are the following cows which gained special gold medals for producing at least 7501 b butterfat :— ,

“Beechlands Preference,” 847.491 b fat, owned by A. Moreland and Sons. “Princess Mermaid,” 829.631 b fat, owned by G. E. Yelchich. “Daisy’s Buttercup,” 820.941 b fat, owned by Estate G. H. Selby. ‘Wellfield Skylark,” 779.951 b fat, owned by W. J. Murray. ■ The owners of the above cows' are to be congratulated upon these very creditable performances, and we wish them further successes.

The value of testing is incalculable, and the council urges members to realize the importance and the many obvious mutual advantages derived through its adoption. 305 Days Test.—At the request of a large number of members, the council approached the Dairy Division regarding the adoption of a 305 days test. This request has been granted, and the Department is now drafting rules and regulations, with a view to bringing it into effect for the coming season. It is hoped that this additional test will receive the full and hearty support of its advocates.

Finance for Purchase of Bulls by Members. —A scheme has been adopted by the council, by which the association will be able to financially assist the smaller breeders in the purchase of better bulls, and thus raise the standard of our breed. Payments can be spread over a period of three yejrs, and selections will be under the supervision of our leading breeders. Classification of Type.—This scheme was brought into operation during the year with most satisfactory results; those breeders who adopted the system being almost unanimous in their praise. A total of 282 cows were submitted for classification, of which 16 were awarded V.H.C., 111 H.C., and 142 C, the balance being rejected. The prospects are that a very large increase in the number of cows will be submitted next season.

Herd Books.—The price of these is reduced from 15/- to 10/- per copy in future. This means that the book will be supplied to members at approximately one half the cost of publication, thereby entailing a considerable annual loss.

Jersey Cattle Clubs. —The splendid work which is being directed by these clubs reflects great credit on those whose efforts are directed towards the advancement- of the Jersey breed. The services the clubs are rendering are fully appreciated by the council, and are undoubtedly reflected in the good results which are apparent. Dairy Division, Department of Agriculture.—This important Department has again rendered its usual valuable assistance, and the council wish to convey to the director and his officers their genuine appreciation for the information and help always so readily and promptly given when required by the office.

Conclusion.—The increased volume of business is still efficiently handled by the office staff without any additional cost in proportion to the growth of the work. Members arc reminded that although we hold the proud position of. having the largest membership of any breed society in the Dominion, we should not relax our efforts to secure still further members to replace the losses in our ranks by deaths and other causes. In order to continue our advancement, we should maintain our enthusiasm for the breed by demonstrating, in season and out of season, our pride in the association and faith in the Jersey cow, to which our indebtedness is inestimable.

GUERNSEY ISLAND STOCK., VICTORIAN IMPORTATIONS. A well-known Victorian breeder, Captain A. E. T. Payne, has lately made a further importation of dairy stock from Guernsey Island, the consignment consisting of one bull and three heifers, all of which were selected by Mr H. S. Rudduck, another Guernsey breeder' in Victoria, while on a recent visit to Europe. The bull, which was selected out of 600 bulls inspected, is Camilla Majestic of Maple Lodge,' an .animal coming from the famous Sequel strain, and one showing the true characteristics of the Guernsey breed. The three heifers all trace back to the same Sequel strain, which is already well established in the Yarraview stud herd. Mr H. S. Rudduck also imported for his own herd one stud bull and seven heifers, while one stud bull and a heifer were brought out for Dr S. V. Sewell, of Berwick, two heifers for Mr C. Le Noury, of Werribee, and one heifer for Mr R. A. Gray, also of- Werribee. The cattle were under the personal and direct supervision of Mr Rudduck during the voyage, put to Australia. Special care

was taken as regards the feeding of the animals during the trip, and it is interesting to note that more than half the fodder taken on board for the trip was saved by the systematic feeding adopted, while the cattle landed in the pink of condition,

HERD-TESTING. SOUTHLAND ASSOCIATION.) AVERAGES FOR APRIL. Following are the averages for the month of April of the Southland and Otago HerdTesting Association as supplied by the secretary (Mr H. Oswin): — For the month of April, '1930, 237 herds with 7781 cow’s were tested compared with 7618 cows in 228 herds in April, 1929. The average yield of milk was 562 lbs (569 lbs) at 4.2 test (4.1), equal to an average yield of 23.78 lbs butter-fat (23.57 lbs). There were also tested, but not included in the averages, 456 B cows and 772 cows in 75 herds under the own samples system. Details of the groups are: — Taiere.—927 cows in 33 herds averaged 523 lbs milk at 4.2 test, equal to 22.29 lbs fat. The highest testing herd with 34 cows averaged 37.35 lbs fat and the lowest herd with* 26 cows averaged 14.69 lbs. . The highest cow produced 54 ’lbs fat and the lowest cow 8 lbs.

Edendale.—ll9s cows in 30. herds averaged 618 lbs milk at 4.3 test, equal to 26.90 lbs fat. The highest herd with 38 cows averaged 36 lbs fat and the lowest herd with 35 cows averaged 16.71 lbs. The highest cow produced 69 lbs fat and the lowest cow 8 lbs.

Stirling.—Bs9 cows in 25 herds averaged 585 lbs milk at 4.1 test, equal to 23.93 lbs fat. The highest herd with 28 cows averaged 29.75 lbs fat and the lowest herd with 27 cows averaged 15.33 lbs fat. The highest cow produced 55 lbs fat and the lowest cow 7 lbs. Pukerau.—BBo cows in 28 herds averaged 538 lbs milk at 4.4 test, equal to 23.51 lbs fat. The highest herd with 52 cows averaged 31.85 lbs fat and the lowest herd with 35 cows averaged 14.52 lbs fat. The highest cow produced 50 lbs fat and the lowest cow 6 lbs. Mataura.—Bll cows in 25 herds averaged 590 lbs milk at 4.0 test, equal to 23.72 lbs fat. The highest herd with 31 cows averaged 30.77 lbs fat and the lowest herd with 33 cows averaged 18.51 lbs fat. The highest cow produced 56 lbs and the lowest cow 8 lbs.

Waimatuku 1.—995 cows in 32 herds averaged 548 lbs milk at 4.2 test, equal to 23.33 lbs fat. The highest herd with 33 cows averaged 33.18 lbs and the lowest herd with 24 cows averaged 16.54 lbs. The highest cow produced 53 lbs and the lowest cow 5 lbs.

Waimatuku 2.—1092 cows in 32 herds averaged 522 lbs milk at 4.4 test, equal to 22.92 lbs fat. ■ The highest herd with 44 cows averaged 34.43 lbs and the lowest hei;d with 26 cows averaged 11.96 lbs. The highest cow produced 53 lbs fat and the lowest cow 5 lbs.

Otautau.—lo32 cows in 31 herds averaged 586 lbs milk at 4.1 test, equal to 23.92 ibs fat. The highest herd with 40 cows averaged 35.05 lbs fat and the lowest herd with 10 cows averaged 14.90 lbs. The highest cow produced 55 lbs fat and the lowest cow 6 lbs.

INBREEDING QUESTION.

DIVISION OF OPINION,

TASK FOR THE EXPERT.

In every part of the world where careful breeding is practised the old argument for and against inbreeding invariably crops up. Some, principally scientific men, argue against inbreeding and utterly condemn it, while others, specially skilled breeders, argue while others, especially skilled breeders, argue journal strongly condemns the practice of it, • and declares that many of the foremost breeders of the United States have bred the flocks in-and-in to such an extent in order to establish type that they have almost ruined the constitution of their flocks and brought them to a condition in which they are the easy and helpless prey to internal parasites and other diseases. The opponents of the system point to such facts as the ultimate barrenness of the celebrated strain of Mr Bates’ Shorthorns, although the general experiences of Collings, Bakewell and Price all went to show that inbreeding could be carried out for many years without, the occurrence of any more than the usual percentage of barren animals. No doubt intensive and rich feeding of domestic animals is responsible for some barrenness, and there is probably far more danger from, overfeeding than from inbreeding. Examples in Human Race. The American writer "Huth,” in his book on the marriage of near-to-kin, says Dalgety’s Review, showed that in some fishing villages in very healthy localities such as the north-west of Scotland and the north of France, the practice of close inter-mar-riage, but limited to first cousins has prevailed for hundreds of years and careful investigations disclose no ill effects arising from it. “Huth” showed that it was difficult in small communities to avoid close marriage because it was an absolute necessity for a fisherman to have a wife who understood the mending of nets and the preparation of fish for market. On this account the men had to choose their help-mates from their own community, and this soon resulted in every family becoming related by marriage. Another example in the human race of very close inter-marriage, was the ancient Egyptian dynasty. For three hundred years this house inter-married with no apparent ill-effects as Cleopatra, the last of the race, was, by all accounts, a perfect specimen of womanhood. On the other hand the New York State Medical Society found that there, was distinct evidence to show that close marriage promoted or intensified the tendency to some diseases. Importance of Selection. With these differences of opinion for and against inbreeding the conclusion is reached that selection is vastly more important, because it has been definitely shown that no ill effects are produced when both parents are perfectly healthy and normal, but on the qther hand, it has been equally as definitely shown that inbreeding' will intensify bad qualities just as much as it will fix good ones. All this only goes to show that inbreeding when practised by unskilled breeders is very dangerous, but in the hands of a skilled man, desirable characteristics may be fixed quickly. This has been demonstrated most ably by such artists as Bakewell with his Leicesters, Bates with his Shorthorns, and many Australian breeds who have shown that by careful selection combined with breeding, remarkable results may be obtained. In conclusion it may be said that in-and-in breeding is a necessity where rapid improvements are aimed at, and when these improvements are to be fixed, but the ordinary breeders who possess no particular skill should avoid inbreeding if they wish to re-tain-a sound constitution in their flock or herd. In other words, leave the inbreeding to the recognized skilled stud breeder, and if this is done no ill effects need be feared.

NOT PURE STOCK. ROMNEY BREEDER’S CLAIM FAILS. STRUCK OFF FLOCK ROLL. THE JUDGE’S SYMPATHY. An unusual case was contested in the Supreme Court at Palmerston North last week, when William Evison Rayner, a well-known Masterton sheep owner, proceeded against the New Zealand Romney Marsh Sheep Breeders’ Association, contending that his Romney stud flock, said to be the largest in the Dominion, had been wrongfully expurgated from the flock book of the association. An order to have it reinstated' was requested and £5OO damages were claimed. The Chief Justice (Sir Michael Myers), gave judgment against the plaintiff on both claims. The plaintiff’s loss through his flock being expurgated was estimated by one witness at £l5OO. Mr H. Biss, of Masterton, conducted the plaintiff’s case, and Mr Cooper (Palmerston North) that of the defendant association. Statement of Claim. The statement of claim set out that the plaintiff was a member of the association and had registered his flock as 105 in the flock, book. About July 10, 1928, the society had advised him that a committee of inspection, comprising Messrs A. S. .Holms, A. S. Murray and J. Miller, had been . appointed to inspect his flock. The report of the inspection committee stated that Mr Rayner’s flock had been inspected to ascertain if Corriedale blood had been introduced. After a careful investigation there were found among 733 breeding ewes about three per cent, showing Corriedale characteristics, and about two per cent, doubtful, 274 ram hoggets showing about the same percentage, and 336 ewe hoggets with about five per cent, shbwing decided Corriedale characteristics, and two or three, per cent, doubtful. Otherwise the flock was up to a fair standard, but would be greatly improved by heavier culling. It was further alleged in the statement of claim that the plaintiff did not attend a meeting of the council of the society held on August 29, 1928, but on August 27, he wrote to the president of the society denying that his Romney sheep showed any trace of Corriedale blood. In spite of this the secretary of the association had advised that it had been unanimously resolved to expunge his flock from the flock book. It was pointed out that this action was taken under rule 18 of the association, which reads as follows: “The council may appoint one or more competent men in such districts as they may' consider necessary who shall be an inspection committee and shall inspect and count flocks whenever instructed by the council. Should these inspectors consider any such flock not fairly representative of its kind the council may expunge the said flock from the flock book.” It was set out in the claim that since the plaintiff had received this letter he had made endeavours to have the resolution purporting to expunge the flock rescinded, but the society had refused to do this; and in accordance with its members advising them of the action taken it was contended that in passing such a resolution the council of the society had acted ultra vires and did not act in accordance with its rules and regulations in that the inspectors did not give, to the council the type of report contemplated by the rule quoted and entitling the council to expunge a registered flock from the flock book. An alternative contention was advanced that the council did not act bona fide and in accordance with the principles of natural justice, in that it passed a resolution without first giving to the plaintiff reasonable notice of the charge, if any, made against him and without giving him a reasonable opportunity of being heard in his defence. Plaintiff asked that the court should de- ' clare the flock to 'be still registered and that an order be made to the society. Further, that the society should be restrained by injunction from interfering with the registration of the flock. A “Throw Back” Suggested. Mr Biss said that Rayner had founded his flock in 1904 when it was registered, and it was now recognized as one of the | largest in New Zealand, containing over 700 breeding ewes. Counsel gave particulars of the characteristics of Romney and Corriedale sheep, and suggested the possibility of a, throw-back from many generations ago from Merino or a sheep with Merino characteristics. Tire percentage of sheep in the flock having alleged Corriedale characteristics was not unusual in such a large flock. They were obviously a poorer quality of sheep. His Honour: If these sheep were culled it would have saved a lot of trouble. Mr Biss: It was not the correct time to do this. His Honour: If these sheep were culled surely it would be possible to reinstate the flock. Mr Biss: It cannot be re-registered under the rules of the society. Price of Sheep Affected. In evidence plaintiff said that as a result of the society’s action the price of his sheep had been affected, and whereas he had received in previous years up to 105 guineas for stud rams, he now got only 18 guineas for flock rams. On stud rams he had lost not less than 15 to 20 guineas each, and on other sheep 39 guineas. Replying to questions by Mr Cooper plaintiff paid that registration was a valuable privilege, and was a guarantee that the stock was pure. It was of greatest importance to stud breeders that flocks should be pure. He denied having received complaints of his stock not being true to type, and had been astonished when he first heard of the trouble. He made no suggestion of dishonesty in the inspection committee, but they were South Island breeders and were accustomed to a different type of sheep. He had admitted to the association that he had used a Corriedale ram at one stage, but he contended that all signs of Corriedale had subsequently been culled. He denied that it was the general opinion of stud breeders that once a foreign strain was introduced into a purebred flock there was an ineradicable taint. Mr Cooper: You think there was no danger to your flock when you put theCorriedale ram to it? Plaintiff: Not a bit. Mr Cooper: It is true that Argentine buyers pay good prices for purebred Romney sheep. Would this market not be affected if it were known that there was one flock in New Zealand guaranteed by the association which showed a decided percentage of Corriedale blood?—“Yes, if there were one.” Mr Cooper: ■'Then any registered flock should be above suspicion?—“Yes, and mine is pure.” After hearing considerable evidence for plaintiff, his Honour accepted Mr Cooper’s submission that there was no case to, answer and entered judgment for defendant with costs against plaintiff as on a claim for £5OO. "I fear I cannot help Rayner, though I sympathise with him,” observed his Honour. “There is no suggestion of fraud of any kind against him. The notice gave sufficient particulars to indicate that 1

the action was contemplated and also sufficient opportunity for him to make an explanation, Rayner knew what was required of him and according to the law I can give him no relief.” SHEEP INDUSTRY. FLOCK IMPROVEMENTS. MERITS ANQ DEMERITS. KNOWLEDGE OF JUDGING. Every flock owner should have some knowledge of the methods followed by leading judges of sheep to determine the relative merits of-animals placed before them at agricultural shows. It will prove of incalculable value to the farmer who wishes to improve his flock, and will assist him to discriminate between the good and the bad sires when animals have to be purchased for breeding purposes. A judge whose decisions consistently meet with approval, outlines the following system as the best means of thoroughly overhauling sheep, says an Australian paper :—Begin with the head of the animal and use the fingers to drop the lower lip, so that the condition of the teeth may be examined. Notice the covering of the head, the eyes and ears, and see that there is no appearance of horns in breeds that should be hornless. Then pass to the neck, feeling with the hands the course of the neck, and in that way determine the length of it, the thickness of it, and the way it swells to meet the shoulder. Then pass down to the brisket, putting one hand on the floor of the chest, and the other at the top of the shoulder, and in this way form an idea as to the depth of the sheep through these parts. Next pass to the shoulder, observe how it is covered with flesh and the evenness on top, also taking the girth at the spring of the ribs of the sheep. Points of the Back. From the top of the shouder, using one hand, follow the line of the back to the end of the body. By carefully handling these parts the fleshiness of the sheep, or the way the ribs are covered, and the straightness of the back are determined, and at the same time the spring of the ribs is made apparent. The -width of the loin should then be taken, and the covering and the thickness of it should be noticed. The width at the hips should then be observed, and turning to one side and using the two hands, the length of the hip to the end of the hind-quarters should be made apparent between the two hands. Afterwards note the way the hind-quarter is carried back, and the fullness of these parts should also be examined. Following down toward the leg, the development of the thigh on the outside requires examination, and then, with the hand, the quarters of the twist between the legs should be firmly felt. Characteristic Defects. There are many defects that are characteristic of fat sheep.. Often the top of the shoulder is not covered sufficiently with flesh, letting the top of the blade come out too sharp and bare. This part for atjeast the length of the hand, should be flat and well covered with flesh in a fatted sheep. The ribs should spring out from the body, and be well covered with firm flesh.

The backbone should not stand prominent at any points, as it is sometimes at various points along the back. Frequently it is grooved on account of the development of the flash along it, but it is better to be perfectly flat and smooth. The loin in some lamb rises, and this is specially a bad defect when it is also bare of flesh. The hind-quarters frequently shrink away toward the tail, head, and thigh. This should not be, as the hindquarter should continue straight and full. From the hip to hock the fat sheep should be especially strong. Not only should the leg be full and plump, with muscle on the outside, but between the legs in the twist of .the flesh should run well toward the hock and compel the hind legs to stand wide apart. Badly set hocks often interfere with the development of the hind-quarter, and they are as bad an eyesore as broken-down pasterns. Important Features. After the sheep conformation has been gone over, the strength and quality of the bone and the nature of the hair which covers the face and legs should be observed. These are important features in breeding sheep. It is, perhaps, most valuable from the butcher’s standpoint, because

the waste is less from a sheep of good quality than it is from one that is inferior. Sheep of the best quality will not dress much over 50 per cent, of the live weight. In examining the fleece the chief points to consider are the quality, quantity and condition. The best way of arriving at an estimation of the nature of a fleece is to open it first just over the shoulder. It is in this region that the finest and best wool of the fleece is found. By using the hand in a flat position, instead of sticking the fingers into the wool, the fleece may be parted effectively. After looking at the wool and skin in this region, the thigh should be chosen for the next examination. This .part usually grows the poorest and coarsest wool of the whole fleece. Then the covering of the belly is also noticed. By examining the fleece in these parts a fair estimate of its qualities may be made. In judging of the good and bad qualities in pure-bred sheep in the breeding classes the subject of breed type should receive careful.consideration. In handling the form of a sheep it is best to keep the hand completely open, as in this way the straightness of the lines will be determined best and the wool will be disturbed the least. Lord Brougham is said to have introduced the game of bridge into England. It came originally from Russia, it’s name being derived from the Russian “biritch.”