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Devons amongst some of the herds in this colony, and these are considered by 
the dairymen to be superior to most other breeds. It must be remembered 
that the animals referred to were not bred for milk-producing. I have had no 
experience with the Devon cross, but [shall be pleased to have the experience of 
others on the matter. 
The Holstein, or Dutch cattie, are the most wonderful milkers of the day, 
having records as high as 106°75 |b. of milk per day, yielding 3°22 lb. of butter 
fat. It has been found necessary to milk these large milk-producers thrice 
daily. One feature noticeable in the Holstein is, that the percentage of fat in 
the milk is low, as is the case with all animals yielding large quantities of milk. 
The Holsteins are of immense size, are very docile, and appear to know the 
purpose for which they are needed. These cattle do well on heavy flats, where 
there is plenty of pasture; they require plenty of feed, but do not forage much 
for it themselves. Irom knowledge gleaned elsewhere, [ find this breed will 
cross well with the grade animal, and give good results; but it must be 
remembered that the Holstein will not stand rough usage, such as that bestowed 
upon the general run of herds in this colony. Such high value is placed on 
these cattle in Australia at the present day, that they are beyond the reach of 
many dairymen. 
It is needless to say much about the Alderney or Jersey breeds, as their 
good qualities are well known by all who take an interest in the animal that 
produces the lacteal fluid; but one remark may be made as regards this class 
of animal, and that is, we have not had anything great in the way of butter 
production from them in Australia. Perhaps this is due to our not having the 
best strain of blood ; and after inspecting an imported Jersey bull in Ipswich a 
few days ago, I am convinced that there is room for improvement in the 
best Jersey herds that I have seen in these colonies. 
The Jerseys (as every experienced person knows) are a very delicate 
cattle, and, like the Holstein, require a great deal of care and attention, without 
which disappointment will be the result. The Jersey, if judiciously crossed 
with the ordinary cow, will give better results than the purebred, as (in 
my opinion) the thoroughbred could not withstand hardships and climatic 
influence. 
It is a mistake to cross purebred stock; they should be kept distinct and 
pure. The different breeds have been crossed, and failures have resulted. But 
by crossing one or the other of the purebred type with the ordinary milker 
good results will accrue therefrom, especially when the pure blood comes from 
the sire’s side. 
In the next issue of the journal I will give a few hints on feeding and 
treatment of dairy cattle. 
‘H 
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