28 



Milk Testing in Denmark. 



[APRIL, 



the production. This is of the greatest importance, as while 

 Table I. gives particulars of individual cows, Table II. enables 

 the farmer to see the general results of his operations at regular 

 intervals. 



Columns are also provided to show the number of cows on 

 the farm on control-day, according to age, additions to stock, 

 &c. The number of feeding-days (Col. 4) is arrived at by 

 multiplying the period (Col. 3) by the number of cows kept, 

 allowing for changes in the interval. 



The production of milk in the whole period (Col. 23) is 

 ascertained by multiplying Col. 3 (number of days) by Col. 22 

 (yield of milk on control-day), while Col. 24, which is the 

 production of milk so far as is known, taking into account 

 the milk used in the dairy, the house, and for calves, forms 

 a check on this figure. 



These tables are summarised in several annual tables for 

 purposes of comparison. Thus, Table III. is a statement 

 of the milk and butter yield of each cow, with the food con- 

 sumed. Tables IV. and V. give the annual average yield 

 and consumption per cow on each farm in the society, and 

 Table VI. combines the averages of each society by districts. 



The control system thus provides a systematic view of the 

 productive capabilities of each cow, the value of which can 

 hardly be over-estimated. From it the farmer learns to know 

 his cows, both from the point of view of yield and consumption. 

 Not infrequently cows are found on the same system of feeding 

 to produce little more than half as much as others, or to give 

 a good yield of milk with a low percentage of fat. These 

 unprofitable cows can be weeded out and their places filled by 

 more productive animals. On very many farms, after four or 

 five years' control, the average production per cow has been 

 raised by this means by 30 to 50 lb. of butter annually. This 

 has in most cases been accompanied by a more economical 

 consumption of food. Still greater importance is perhaps to be 

 attached to the fact that the control system provides a safe basis 

 on which an improved breed of cows can be built up and the 

 productive capabilities of the herds raised. 



