5 so Breeding Centres in Denmark. [dec, 



to be awarded to such as showed a high general excellence, 

 both as regards external features and productiveness. The 

 regulations included the following points: (i) The herds were 

 to be maintained chiefly by home breeding, especially on the 

 female side ; (2) the object which was to be borne in mind in 

 the competition was the selection of herds likely to improve 

 the standard of breeding in the country ; (3) records were 

 to be kept on an approved system and the whole herd managed 

 in a rational manner. 



, The country was divided into several districts, and three judges 

 appointed to inspect the competing farms in each district. 

 Notice of the competition was given in the papers and a pre- 

 liminary inspection made by the judges, at which any unsuitable 

 farms were struck out. After that each farm was inspected 

 three times annually, at each of which any of them could be 

 eliminated. The judges have the services of an assistant, who 

 visits each farm monthly. 



In the final classification the judges are required not only to 

 take account of the external characteristics and of the pedigree 

 of the animals, but to consider the actual results in regard to 

 milk yield, fat content, and food consumption, ascertained by 

 the assistant at his monthly visits. 



Forty farms in four provinces entered for the first competition, 

 of which twenty-five were included in the final judging by the 

 provincial judges. These were then inspected by a special com- 

 mittee, and, as a result, six farms were nominated as breeding 

 centres, receiving premiums of from ^"83 to £167. In addition, 

 fifteen farms were awarded premiums of £16 each in order to 

 encourage them to enter for a subsequent competition. The 

 farms receiving prizes continue under the control of a com- 

 mittee and are required to keep records as before. The sale of 

 breeding animals from these herds is unrestricted in Denmark 

 •except in regard to such bulls as may be specified by the com- 

 mittee as " special breeders." These animals may not be dis- 

 posed of without permission from the Ministry, and the sale of 

 bulls_abroad is similarly only allowed by special permission. 



