FIFTY-SECOND ANNUAL CONVENTION 213 



obtained is used as the average test for the month and the 

 monthly butterfat production is computed from this. 



There are other methods that can be used, such as 

 weighing and testing the milk for one day during the 

 month. The total yearly production for each cow, as shown 

 by such tests, will be close enough to actual production for 

 practical purposes. In some cases the milk is weighed and 

 tested one day every two or three months. This method is 

 not so accurate, but it is better than no test at all. 



In many sections of the country cow-testing associa- 

 tions are in operation. If a dairyman is a member of a cow- 

 testing association the detailed production records of his 

 cows are kept by the tester, who is hired by the association. 

 The tester visits each member's herd one day out of each 

 month, weighs and tests the milk of individual cows for 

 that day, weighs the feed, and figures the total quantity of 

 milk and butterfat given and the feed consumed for the 

 month. This system has proved to be an inexpensive and 

 reliable method of keeping herd-production records for a 

 number of dairymen in a community. 



Breeding Records 



A record should be made of date of breeding, the bull 

 to which bred, and date of expected calving. The gesta- 

 tion period for cows is approximately 280 days. For con- 

 venience it is well to have a gestation table handy for ref- 

 erence in estimating date of calving. If a gestation table is 

 not available, count back three months from date of breed- 

 ing and add 10 days. For example, if a cow is bred on 

 March 10, by counting back three months and adding 10 

 days, the probable date of calving is found to be December 

 20. It is well to have this record in a small pocket-size note- 

 book that can be carried in the work clothes. Most of the 

 national dairy-breed associations distribute record books 

 and blanks of this kind. Such books are especially helpful 

 where the herd includes purebreds. 



