MILK AND BUTTER TEST

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2417, 7 January 1888, Page 2 (Supplement)

MILK AND BUTTER TEST

The subject of testing the superiority of dairy cattle by the quantity of milk they give and the amount of butter it will yield is now receiving much attention in Britain Cattle-judging by eyesight and by the rulc-of-thamb method has been for a long time carried out in tho old country with very unsatisfactory results as to the usefulness of the animals for dairying purposes. It is now sought by prominent dairymen to institute the milk and butter test in lieu of the old system of judging by points and general appearance. This in the long run will no doubt be much more satisfactory than the system in vogue at present. It is hopeful for this country that the Kiama Agricultural Association has to a certain extent adopted this method, and with the best results. Our general practice at present is to judge by symmetry, by touch and by poiuts. Breeders know very well to their cost how unsatisfactory those methods are.

By tho milk and butter test there aro a certain system and a record to work upon aud a really good cow is more certain to be judged "according to her merits, and to win a pre-eminence above all competitors As judging goes at present, it isfrcquontlv a farce. The prize is not given to the most meritorious animal, but to the richest owner. And a division of prizes is often made, not according to merit, bu*; to encourage certain persons. A prominent and successful exhibitor, when yarding his cattle in a show yard last year, overheard a judge saying "Oh there is Blank again with his cattle. We gavo him all the prizes at .Wo must give them to somebody else to-day." This was highly encouraging to Blank as a breeder.—Town and Country.