June 2, 1920.] Jancultumt Gazette of N.S.W. 413 



The Testing of Pure-bred Cows in 

 New South Wales/ 



L, T. MacINNES, Dairy Expert. 



The year commenced with 373 privately-owned cows, representing forty-three 

 herds, under test. Government-owned stock numbered eighty, making a 

 total under test of 453. There was then every indication that next report 

 would show that hoth the stud herds and the number of cows entei'ed had 

 been very considerably increased ; but these anticipations were not realised 

 to the full extent anticipated, although the expansion has been appreciable, 

 and under the circumstances satisfactory. The unexpected severit}- and 

 duration of both the influenza epidemic and the drought proved a great 

 hindrance to this movement. It was only at the beginning of 1920 that rain 

 ■came to relieve the coastal districts north of Sydney, the tablelands, and the 

 central-western areas. The effect of these adverse conditions is shown by the 

 number of privately-owned cows withdrawn from testing before the completion 

 •of their official period. These numbered no less than 268, more than double 

 those completing tests during the previous year. 



The full records show that in spite of the bad season and the high price of 

 fodder (which in some instances was almost unprocurable), the average yields 

 compare not unfavourably with the standards of last year — undoubtedly under 

 better conditions previous averages would have been reached or exceeded. 



The value of hereditary production has again and again been stressed at 

 these annual meetings, and is coming to be recognised as the keystone to the 

 breeding of good utility dairy stock. It is therefore pleasing to be able to 

 record that recent purchases of imported pure-bred stud stock have been 

 made to a great extent on these lines. This course should materially help in 

 advancing the productiveness of our herds. 



A noteworthy feature in this connection is that according to recent 

 English news files to hand, English and Scottish breeders are now taking 

 steps to ascertain the fat production of their stud cows, in addition to keeping 

 their records of milk weights. This is evidently in response to the .general 

 demand from all parts of the world for full production records, and it 

 indicates that a record giving the weight of milk alone does not meet the 

 requirements of buyers. It is a hint that many stud breeders of dairy 

 stock in this State might give attention to with advantage to their future 

 sales. The testing movement is slowly and surely coming to the front, and 

 the future is for the breeder who indisputably demonstrates that the strains 

 he handles have high hereditary production to support type and general 

 appearance. 



•Extracted from the official report for presentation to the annual meeting of the 

 United Pure Bred Dairy Cattle Breeders' Association of New South Wales, covering the 

 year ended 28th February, 1920. 



