TESTING PROGRESS

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20258, 29 July 1937, Page 2

TESTING PROGRESS

SUBSTANTIAL RECOVERY. NEW ZEALAND ASSOCIATION. GOOD FINANCIAL POSITION. A substantial recovery in the number of cows tested during the season and an Increase in the average production of cows under test were indicated at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Co-operative Herd Testing Association in the Methodist Hall, London Street, yesterday. The chairman of directors, Mr R. A. Candy, presided over a large attendance of delegates. “The association has made a substantial recovery in the number of cows tested during the season,” said Mr Candy, “the recovery in the number of cows under test being responsible for the present excellent financial position. It has been encouraging to note the lnorease In production per cow, the association average being the highest on record. Members, however, should not be elated by the very satisfactory results obtained, for the very favourable climatic conditions have been in no small measure responsible for the higher production records.” General Manager’s Report. There was a total of 118,000 cows tested during the season, said the general manager of the association, Mr S. J. Sheaf, in his annual report. Of this total 10,100 cows were tested in North Auckland, 30,100 in South Auokland, 39,700 in Waikato, 8100 In Te Awamutu, 11,800 in King Country. 8000 in Rotorua and Putaruru, 7600 in Hauraki Plains and Thames Valley, and 3200 in Coromandel Peninsula and Walhi. The average size of the herds under test, based on the number of cows tested once or more, was 62.50, while the average size on the basis of cows actually paid for by members was 58.54.

“The composite check test system of checking up on the testing work of our outside staff continued to show satisfactory results, indicating the accuracy and uniformity of the work

of the men in the field,” said Mr Sheaf. “The average difference per officer over the whole season was .371 b fat, or just over l-31b fat per oow for the 30-day period.”

The total number of “P” oalves registered to date was 3906, compared with 3526 "L” calves last season, while calves Identified under the heifer club identification scheme totalled 3900, he added. There wa* still room for Improvement in the number of calves registered and identified, as only 30 per cent, of members had been taking advantage of the free service provided by the association for the permanent identification of heifer calves. Blre Survey Scheme. A free service to all testing members, by way of a survey of their herd sires, would be inaugurated this season, provided certain conditions were fulfilled. The surveys would be divided into two classes: (a) “Official” surveys, which would include all surveys carried out in compliance with the following requirements: (1) All daughters shall have been Individually identified by tatoo as calve-s and nominated on the form provided at the ; time of their first test; (2) the sire shall be individually identifiable at the commencement of the survey; (3) the herd must have been under test during the two previous seasons; (4) the number of daughters in the first survey must consist of at least 10. Surveys would be divided into three stages—preliminary, intermediate aind final—and would be issued (provided the number of “daughter” lactations was sufficient), at the end of the first, second nnd third years of the survey respectively. (b) Private surveys for the information of members only would include all surveys which could reasonably he carried out, and which did not qualify for Inclusion in the “official” class. The majority of surveys In this class would include those where complete Identificailon of the daughters at birth had not been carried out, or where the member had not tested during the two previous seasons. The following points had to be noted, continued Mr Sheaf: (1) Surveys would be carried out only for sires at present in use in the herd; (2) surveys were automatically discontinued if the herd was withdrawn from testing; (3) all daughters in milk in the applicant’s herd had to be included in every survey and details of daughters under test in other herds had also to be supplied; (4) the premilinary survey would be supplied at the end of the 1937-38 season; (5) the survey would be issued in graph form. Disease Btatistlos. The New Zealand Dairy Board had accepted the responsibility of collecting data concerning the incidence of disease in the Dominion. In view of the personal contact made by testing officers, it was considered that the collection of disease statistics oould be effected most conveniently nnd reliably through herd testing associations. It would be agreed that any haphazard method of obtaining such data would simply bo wasted effort, but in soliciting the co-operation of members the association could assure them that little work would be entailed. The collection of disease, statistics for the 1937-38 season would consist, of a complete analysis of all herd eliminations nnd losses, this information being obtained by the testing officer at each monthly visit and noted on the t<>st sheets. Details of cows culled and stock Josses sustained after the close of the past, season and before the first lest of the new season would be recorded bv the testing officer on a special form. Next Season’s Prospects. Testing officers bad almost completed their canvassing work, and to dale there were 1500 herds actually signod on. An endeavour was being made to establish a record for the number of herds under test. In conclusion. .Mr Sheaf expressed his appreciation of the support and cooperation afforded hy menilmrs of both tho outside and head office staffs durAudltors’ Comments. Tn commenting on the expenditure and Income account the auditors stab',l that I his showed a general ina 11v under the * (loadings of’ salaries repairs. This, however, was more than offsel bv tho considerable increase in testing fees, which ■ ero £24.830, against £17,896 Inst year, the outcome being an excess of income over expenditure this year of £1321 Bs.