MlLK TKSTING AND DAIRY KlOCORDS. 



15 



n 



OCCASIONAL TESTS. 



While the definite knowledge obtained from the regular daily 

 weighing and monthly testing is much more satisfactory in every 

 way than getting an occasional test during the year, various 

 investigators have recommended methods of estimating the yearly 

 production from a few weighings and tests. Some of these have 

 proved practical and reasonably accurate. These are adapted for 

 use by those who feel they cannot spend the time necessary to 

 take daily records. The milk may be weighed from each indi- 

 vidual cow for three days about the middle of each month, and a 

 composite or average sample for testing is taken during the same 

 time. The average milk and fat produced for the three days is 

 taken as the average for that month. 



Again, the milk may be weighed and samples for testing 

 taken at intervals of ten days; for instance, on the 5th, 15th, and 

 25th of the month ; and the totals of these weights multiplied by 

 ten will give quite closely the total yield of milk for thirty days. 



The Wisconsin Station recommends weighing and sampling sam P le - 

 the milk one day each week during the entire lactation period. The Illinois Station 

 suggests weighing and sampling each cow's milk for fourteen consecutive rnilkings 

 every seventh week. When only two tests are to be made during one lactation, the 

 Vermont Station recommends that the first be taken ten weeks after 

 calving, and the second five and one-half to seven mouths. 



NOTES. 



The scales and the Babcock test are essential requisites for every 

 true dairyman. 



Experience shows clearly the impracticability of trying to deter- 

 mine the profitable cows by mere guesswork. 



Records are valuable because they assist the dairyman to dis- 

 tinguish the good from the poor cows, assist the feeder in preparing 

 rations economically, and give inspiration to those who watch care- 

 fully for improvement. 



It is impossible to feed a cow economically unless her daily milk 

 production can be taken into account, and unless a daily record is 

 available there is no basis upon which to estimate the quantity of 

 feed the individual cow requires. 



The records of dairy animals should include not only the dairy 

 performance, but also a concise history and description of each 

 animal, and a record at least of approximate accuracy of the cost of 

 the feed of every cow, so that the economy of production may be 

 determined. 



Dairy-record keeping demonstrates that many good cows can 

 be kept at a smaller cost of feed. This is not stinginess, but 

 economy. 



Keeping records abundantly proves that it pays handsomely to 

 give dairy cows the best of care and kind treatment: this include* 

 regularity of milking, early stalling in the fall, protection from cold 

 rains, and attention to cleanliness, light, and ventilation in the 

 stahle. 



Keeping remrds teaches the dairyman that, instead of the old 

 way of feeding all cows alike, regardless of the amount of milk pro- 

 duced, the individual co\\ must receive feed according to her need in ..Fig. 10. Small 

 keeping up tlie milk-supply. 



