76 



Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Feb., 1917. 



RED POLL DAIRY CATTLE. 



Report on the Departmental Herd for the Season 1915-16, 



jBy R. li. Kerr, Dairy Svpervisor. 



It has been usual to publish an annual report on the performances 

 of the Red Poll Herd in the September issue, but pressure on the Joiirtial 

 space has forced a postponement until now, and will also account for the 

 brevity of the report for the milking year ending 30th June, 1916. 



Twin Silos at State Research Farm, Werribee, each 160 tons capacity. 

 Office in foreground. 



Reference to the records at the end will show that the average yields 

 are below those of last year to the extent of 56 gallons of milk, and 

 32 lbs. of butter fat per cow, and that the heifer's yield also averaged 

 19 lbs. of butter fat less, although their average yield of milk was 

 40 gallons better. 



It is always more difficult to maintain a high average as a herd 

 increases in numbers, and with 46 head recorded this year, as against 

 31 last year, a reduction in average yield was to be looked for. In 

 point of fact, however, the decreased yield has been due to other cir- 

 cumstances. At Werribee, from a dairying stand-point, the year was 

 a much worse one than the drought year inasm.uch as that, with the 

 exception of a few acre-feet in February no water was available for 



