90 THE BUSINESS OF DAIRYING 



the record. The record board is so constructed that 

 the front frame can be lowered each day to enter 

 the new record by adjusting the pin (c) which holds 

 it in place. It has the advantage of keeping the 

 record sheet clean and in condition for permanent 

 filing. The glass can be readily cleaned with a moist 

 sponge. 



Methods of estimating records. Several methods 

 of estimating yearly records from a few weighings 

 and tests have been proposed. As previously stated, 

 however, the only absolutely accurate way to tell 

 the amount of milk and butter fat produced by a 

 cow is to weigh and test the milk at every milking, 

 Cows vary so much in the amount and quality of 

 their milk from one milking to another, owing to 

 various causes, many of which are uncontrollable, 

 that entirely accurate results cannot be secured by 

 weighing and testing the milk secured at a few 

 milkings and using the results as a basis for estimat- 

 ing the total production for a lactation period, or 

 even for a month. Many dairymen, however, do 

 not feel that they can take the time to secure daily 

 records ; nor is this necessary if it is simply desired 

 to obtain a reasonably accurate estimate of a cow's 

 performance at the end of the year. An approximate 

 record is sufficient for comparing one cow with an- 

 other or for determining whether a cow is up to the 

 profit standard. 



