i66 Competitions FOR Well-managed Cowsheds, [june^. 



by MM. Derwa, Giele, and Smeyers at the International Con- 

 gress on " L'xA.limentation rationnelle du Betail," at Liege, 1905. 

 The judges, who naay consist of an agricultural instructor, a 

 veterinary surgeon, and a cattle breeder, visit the farms of 

 persons entered for the competition about May. They make a 

 careful examination of the byres, and in consultation with the 

 farmer discuss the improvements which can be effected. In the 

 autumn they pay another visit to the place for the purpose of 

 judging, and marks are awarded on the following scale : — 







In the case of 



In the case of 







Owners. 



Tenants. 



I. 



Buildings : arrangement, situation, &c. ... 



20 



10 



2. 



Flooring 



10 



5 



3- 



Liquid manure tank 



10 



5 



4- 



Ceiling 



10 



5 



5- 



Ventilation, lighting, temperature 



20 



35 



6. 



Litter ... .T. ... 



5 



5 



7- 



General cleanliness 



25 



35 



To be entitled to a prize, a competitor must obtain at least 65 

 points, and the amount of the prize is dependent on the number 

 of points above 65. 



At some of these competitions the number of entries is very 

 large ; for instance, in 1905 there were 168 entries in one case 

 and 180 in another, but generally the number is much less,, 

 averaging about 25. 



In a report on the subject, M. Hendrick, Assistant State Agri- 

 culturist, observes that since the organization of these competi- 

 tions the condition of the cattle byres has considerably improved,, 

 especially in regard to ventilation, lighting, and general cleanli- 

 ness. In certain districts the sheds of most of the competitors 

 were formerly in a deplorable condition as regards hygiene,, 

 whereas they are now absolute models. The competition serves, 

 moreover, as an excellent stimulant, not only to those that take 

 part in them but also to the owners, who are led in consequence 

 to carry out improvements in the buildings. Moreover, the 

 competition evokes a certain emulation among the farmers in 

 the neighbourhood, and the example of those who take part is 

 followed by those who do not. 



