THE JOURNAL 



OF THE 



MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE 



Vol. XXVIII. No. 9. 



DECEMBER, 1921. 



NOTES FOR THE MONTH. 



It is perhaps late in the day to press upon the attention of 

 dairy farmers in this country the many advantages which may 

 Breeding lor ^ e ^ er ^ ve ^ fr° m systematic milk recording. 

 ffifik The progress already made since the 



Ministry initiated its recording scheme in 

 1914 is remarkable,* but further developments are already in 

 sight, and in publishing the articles on milk recording in 

 Denmark in the October and November issues of this Journal 

 the Ministry desired to draw the attention of agriculturists to 

 certain features of the Danish schemes which deserve imita- 

 tion here. It is gratifying to learn that in the first instance 

 breeders in Denmark were guided by knowledge derived from 

 a study of the methods by which British breeds of livestock 

 reached the pre-eminence which they admittedly occupy. In 

 so far as breeding for milk is concerned, however, the pupils 

 may outstrip their masters. Mr. Faber's article brings con- 

 vincing evidence to show (1) that in the transmission of milk- 

 ing qualities to his progeny the sire plays as important a 

 part as the dam; (2) that while both should have a milking 

 pedigree, ancestral merit alone will not ensure the trans- 

 mission of milking qualities; (3) that to secure the best results 

 and progressive improvement pedigree should be confirmed by; 

 performance. A pedigree bull does not always get good 

 daughters. His true merit can only be judged by a progeny 

 test. 



So convinced is the Danish Government of the value of 

 performance as distinct from pedigree, that in making pro- 

 vision for the award of special prizes for bulls, it was laid down 

 that a bull is not eligible for a Government prize unless records 

 of the performances of his daughters can be produced. 



* See the Fourth Volume of the Ministry's Register of Dairy Cows, 

 reviewed at p. 861. 



(40115) P.14/35. 11,625. 11/21. M. & S. & 



