REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 47' 



CERTIFYING PUREBRED IMPORTED ANIMALS. 



Since January 1, 1911, the Bureau of Animal Industry has under- 

 taken the duty of certifying to the pure breeding of all animals im- 

 ported for breeding purposes, the work being done by arrangement 

 with the Treasury Department and in accordance with the tariff 

 law. During the first six months 1,172 horses, 1,427 cattle, 12 sheep, 7 

 hogs, 190 dogs, and 12 cats were thus imported. 



DAIRY FARMING. 



Work for the development and improvement of dairying is being 

 carried on in the South and West, and includes improved breeding, 

 economical feeding, encouraging the building of barns, silos, etc., the 

 stimulation of interest in dairy organizations, the improvement of 

 city milk supplies, the operation of model dairies, the supervision of 

 exhibits and contests at fairs, helping farmers to improve the grade 

 of cream furnished to creameries, etc. The southern work is in 

 progress in nine States, and the western work is being conducted in 

 Iowa, North Dakota, Colorado, and Idaho. The reduction of the 

 range and the increased price of land have a considerable effect on 

 dairying in this latter region, and helpful work is being done in 

 demonstrating new and economical methods. 



Dairy farmers are encouraged to keep records showing the amount 

 of feed consumed and milk and butter fat produced by each cow, 

 so that unprofitable animals can be weeded out and the herd built up 

 with good producers. The utility of keeping such records was 

 illustrated in several instances during the year. In one herd the work 

 resulted in the sale of 25 unprofitable cows and in another the cost 

 of feeding was reduced from $6.05 to $4.63 per cow per month. 



There are at present 81 cow-testing associations in the United 

 States, comprising owners of about 40,000 cows. The department 

 was instrumental in organizing the greater number of these, and often 

 lends assistance when difficulties arise. 



The demand for plans for the construction of dairy buildings con- 

 tinues heavy, and during the year blue prints were sent out for 636 

 buildings. 



MARKET MILK INVESTIGATIONS. 



The bureau has continued its work for the improvement of market 

 milk. This consists chiefly in introducing and maintaining the 

 score-card system of dairy inspection, in assisting at competitive ex- 

 hibitions of milk and cream, and in investigating the conditions 

 surrounding the milk supply in various places. This work is carried 

 on largely in cooperation Avith city health departments, and was con- 

 ducted during the fiscal year in 51 cities in 27 States. The extension 



