1905.] 



Breeding Centres in Denmark. 



549 



though in various degrees, and in these experiments the 

 absorptive power of the peat moss was found to be five times 

 as great as of the straw. From the standpoint of the value of 

 the manure produced, therefore, peat moss is much better than 

 straw as litter, owing to its higher nitrogen content and its 

 greater power of absorbing ammonia. 



Among the steps which have been taken in recent years 

 in Denmark with a view to the improvement of the breeds of 



dairying purposes the limited means of judging afforded by 

 exhibition at a show are insufficient to secure the selection of 

 the most productive stock, as the judgment rests chiefly on 

 points of appearance, shape, colour, and external character- 

 istics. The evidence as to average milk production at the 

 show itself may be more or less trustworthy, but evidence as 

 to past performances is not usually available, or, if available, 

 not taken into account. Especially in the case of bulls it has 

 been urged that judgment should not rest entirely on their 

 appearance but that hereditary transmission of milking qualities 

 should be taken into account. The steps taken in this country 

 to obviate some of these objections have chiefly taken the form 

 of milk and butter test trials* at certain shows, while in Den- 

 mark the existence of the " Control " systemf of recording 

 yields has afforded a means of comparison in these respects 

 which does not always exist elsewhere, and advantage has been 

 taken of it to improve the general level of dairy cattle in the 

 country by encouraging the formation of good herds of high 

 productive capabilities. With this object the Royal Danish 

 Agricultural Society recommended the Government in 1897 

 to recognise by means of an official certificate herds of this 

 character of the Red Danish and Jutland breeds. 



The farms or herds were to be selected by competition 

 extending over eighteen months, and the certificate was only 



Breeding- Centres 

 in Denmark. 



dairy cattle, the establishment of what are 

 known as " breeding centres " may be men- 

 tioned. It has been recognised that for 



* Journal, Dec, 1902, p. 297. 

 f Journal, April, 1905, p. 21. 



