374 



EXPETUME'NTAL FA RMS 



5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 



Here again is demonstrated the importance of "feed and weed." Taking the 

 i\\ crage for each group, we find that the three cows which received 1 pound of meal for 

 2-25 potinds of milk gave, during the period of the experiment, an average profit of- 

 $15.50 each, the three which received 1 pound of meal per 4 pounds of milk gave an. 

 average profit of $10. GT, whilst the three which received 1 pound of meal per 8 pounds 

 of milk only gave an average profit of $9.2G. These profits look small for the length 

 of the feeding experiment, 128 days, but it must not be forgotten "that this test com- 

 menced when, on an average, each of the nine cows had already been milking 137 days. 

 Most of these cows are served to calve during August, 1914, to gather more data on the 

 subject, and it is proposed to commence the feeding test soon after they calve. A 

 small paddock, practically bare, will be used to give them exercise, and green feed will 

 be fed in the stable after being weighed. 



As to the question of weeding out the "boarders," a few figures given here will 

 show that it is an important one. It shows one other point : besides knowing what the 

 cow produces, a farmer must also have an idea of what she eats, as a good producer 

 may not make an economical use of her feed. No doubt many will say that it is too 

 much trouble to do all this weighing, but the farmer is in business as the manufacturer, 

 the merchant and the contractor, and if ho is to make a success of this business, he 

 must know what it costs him to produce the goods which he sells. It is reasonably 

 ^afe to say that when a majority of farmers get to know how much it costs thera to 

 produce milk, they will then commence to make larger profits, as they will discard the 

 non-paying cows and perhaps also insist on getting more for their milk. Both these 

 things must be done before the dairying industry pays the dividends which it should 

 for the money invested therein. 



Economical and Non-economical Producers compared. 



It is easily seen here thaf Amanda, which received only 1 pound of meal per 8 pounds 

 of milk, and which gave a profit of $14.39, made better use of her feed than Simonne, 

 which received 1 pound of meal per 2-25 pounds of milk and only gave a profit of $14.55. 

 There is no positive proof that Amanda would have given a larger profit had she 

 received more meal, but the averages, on the large table above, would tend to show to 

 any fair-minded person that she would. What the dairyman wants is more Amandaa 

 and less Simonnes. To keep the first and get rid of the second, there is nothing else 

 to do but weigh the milk and keep a record of the concentrates given, increasing the 

 amount until it is found that the cow does not respond with a profitable increase. 



Cap Eouge. 



