Transactions of RHASS Volume 1940 - Page 077
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| Year | 1940 |
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| OCR Text |
142 MILK RECORDS. It should always be kept in mind when making a OOIll~ parison of cows in different herds or in different districts that the different methods of dairying practised have a. considerable influence on the milk yields, and that therefore milk yields alone do not necessarily indicate the true relative inherent or hereditary milking qualities of the animal. But the authenticated milk records compiled by the Association are of inestimable value to breeders and owners of dairy cows if properly interpreted. REVIEW—OFFICIAL RECORDS. Recording was carried on in 1939 by 47 local societies or circuits, comprising 903 members. The number of cows tested in 1939 was 41,058, compared with 38,410 in 1938, and was the largest number officially tested in the history of the Association. During the year 25 recorders, for various reasons, terminated their engagements. The Executive Committee, however, in the same period approved of 47 applicants for the position of milk recorder, and were able to recommend a sufficient number of qualified recorders. Nine women recorders were employed in 1939 and 58 men recorders. In this connection the Committee are indebted to the West of Scotland Agri- cultural College for giving special courses of instruction for milk recorders to meet the Association’s requirements. Two special courses were required in 1939, one in June and the other in November. Forty selected candidates attended, and 29 obtained the certificate. The Executive Committee purchased the supplies of milk- testing apparatus, sulphuric acid, and amylic alcohol for local societies, as in previous years. The system of surprise check tests, introduced in 1920, was continued in 1939. The total number of check tests made by recorders during the season was 1056. In no instance in 1939 was the average milk yield for the herd more than 3 lb. milk daily less on the occasion of a check test as compared with the previous day. Only one herd showed an average of over 2 lb. less. In addition to the surprise tests arranged for and carried out by the recorders, the assistant super- intendent made 74 special check tests of different herds. The results in most instances agreed very closely in regard both to average milk yields and fat percentages with those of the recorders’ previous tests. Only one herd showed an average daily yield of over 2 lb. less on the occasion of a special check test, and no herd had an average of over 2 1b. more. With regard to average fat percentages, only one herd showed an average fat percentage of over '2 per cent lower, and one herd an average of over '2 per cent higher. With the exception of 2 herds, the average fat percentages MILK RECORDS. 143 were all within '2 of those obtained by the recorders at the previous tests. With regard to the general conditions for milk production in 1939, the weather throughout March was cold, wet, and stormy. There was a fine and warm spell in the second week of April; during the rest of the month the weather was rather cold and fairly dry, with some night. frosts. The cold and dry weather continued during the earher weeks of May, but the last week was very warm, and growth then advanced rapidly. More rain was, however, required to increase the «rowth of all crops. During the first week of June the weather zwas extremely hot, and throughout the month in all districts it was exceptionally dry, some areas experiencing the severest drought for many years. Crops generally made poor progress, and a more copious rainfall was urgently needed to promote urowth. Weather conditions during July .were unsettled. Iieavy rains fell in most districts, which seriously interfered with havmakiiig and other farm work. Conmderable damage was caused to the hay crop, and in many places the grain crops were laid by the heavy rains. Taking the country as a whole, however, the soil required the incisture, which was generally beneficial to the grain, potato and root crops, to pastures and to live stock. The first week of August was warm and calm, with thunder showers. After a fine spell in the middle of the month conditions were close and sunless in the cast, but clearer in the west. In some areas plentiful sunshine promoted the ripening of the grain crops, and-allowed cutting to be carried on rapidly; in. others ripening and cutting were retarded by damp conditions. September was also generally dry and warm, favourable for harvest operations and beneficial for most crops and live stock. In some areas lack of rain prevented the normal development of pastures and root crops. On the whole, however, the weather con- ditions in September were very good. The weather in most parts of Scotland during October was fine and dry, and favourable for progress with all kinds of agricultural work. Grasses and clovers were healthy and Vigorous in most districts at the end of April, but growth had been slow owmg to cold weather and night frosts, and at the end of May was not up to that of an average season. Cutting of hay was in progress by the end of June in almost all districts. Clover was reported to be less abundant in the hay than usual. Unfavourable weather during July made the task of securing it difficult and protracted. Later cuttings were almost every- where much damaged by rain. In practically all districts the yield of hay was below normal, estimated deficiencies ranging according to district from 5 per cent to as .mueh as 40 per cent. Pastures were very bare and making little growth by the end of March, and were still in backward condition three months later, being greatly in need of meisture ; |
| Title | Transactions of RHASS Volume 1940 - Page 077 |
