COWS AND BACON.

Waikato Argus, Volume XI, Issue 1083, 28 October 1901, Page 2

COWS AND BACON .

A Manawatu correspondent writes to the Wairarapa Times as follows:—‘A matter that might well occupy the attention of the farmer is the milking of cows for the express purpose of feeding pies, I propose giving a few remarks and hints on this subject, If a sow can feed eight pigs, surely a cow can feed eight pigs for, say, two months. Supposing Ihe pigs make an average of five pounds of pork per week (which is a fair average) this would be 401b for the eight. A*, say, .id per lb, this moans 10s per week, or £2 per month. A herd of cows only average £1 per month, so it will be seen that there is a profit of £1 through giving the cows’ milk to the pigs. If a cow only feeds five pies this would give yon the same return in pigs, that you would receive for the cow’s milk if you took it to the dairy factory Turning to the expense the necessity of employing a hor.-e, cart, man or hoy for half a day, milk cans, etc , would represent an outlay of about £SO. As the pigs grow, if they want more milk, well give th m the milk of two* cows and they will he bacon in six months. A pig generally takes eight months or more before it is fit to kill for bacon. Now, suppose the pigs arc two months on one sow, two months on one cow, and two months on two cows—which would be equal to one cow for four month at £1 per month. Now, wc have, say five pigs, 1301 b each. This would he £8 2s (id, Suppose the p : gs are Ss when the cows took them on this would leave £6 2s fid for the representing £2 2s 6d to the good. If pigs will fatten on skim milk from the dairy, it is pretty certain that they will fatten on fresh milk. Pork at fid would be putting it very low, for the pork would be of the primest. Another advantage is that the cows could he milked with less labour, as you would not be required to be at the factory at a certain time. There is the washing of cans, etc., to be taken into considoration. Even if pork goes clown you have been to no expense—simply sell your cows, and the experiment will still have been profitable. lam not sure if anyone has tried the above, but it scans to pan out right on paper. lam going to test it. as soon as some more of my cows calve, and I will furnish you with particulars ot results, of which I shall keep a cardul record.’