Cow-Testing Associations. 151 



These figures show that althoiig-li Cow A yields the kirgest 

 quantities of milk and butter-fat, yet Cow B is more economical, pro- 

 ducing milk and butter-fat at a lower cost, while of the three cows C is 

 the most economical in the production of butter-fat. 



The profit which would be derived from each of these cows if the 

 butter-fat were sold to a creamery at tlie average price of Is. 4d. per 

 lb. is shown in the followine: table: — 



Profit. 



This table shows tliat cow A, tliough the greater producer, is the 

 least profitable in the production of butter-fat. 



It must be understood, however, that it is the exception rather 

 than the rule that the cow with tlie lesser yield is more economical 

 than the cow with tlie greater yield. Tt is mentioned here merely for 

 showing the information which may be gained from the milk records, 

 and not to cast reflections on the economy of the cows with the high 

 milk yield. In the present instance, cows A and l^ may have been 

 fed uneconomical ly. 



The Advanta(;ks of Testing, 



The keeping of records and the testing of cows give the farmer a 

 greater interest in his cows and in his farming generally. It is known 

 that cows owned by a farmer who keeps milk records are better fed and 

 better managed than those of one who neglects this important work. 

 The keeping of milk records acts as a guide to proper and judicious 

 feeding. It affords a means of selecting the best cows for breeding 

 high-class dairy cattle, and indicates a method of identifying bad or 

 unprofitable cows with a view to their elimination from the herd. 

 Where the milk is weighed daily the records serve as a guide to tlie 

 health of the cows, as well as a clieck on the milkers. 



Milk records are generally responsible for greater cleanliness in 

 and around the cowsheds and in the handling of the milk, resulting 

 in better and cleaner milk. After an experience of a few years with 

 these associations. I find that the work is being constantly more highly 

 appreciated by the dairyman. 



While there is to-day a world shortage of milk, butter, and 

 cheese, and labour and foodstuffs are scarce and dear, we cannot lay 

 too much stress on the importance of going in for the best animal only. 

 The only method of finding out which is the best cow is by submitting 

 the milk of each individual cow to the Babcock or Gerber test. 



