326
ABSTRACTS
Roughages were provided in racks and orts were determined every 24 hours. Con-
centrates were allowed twice daily according to production during the first two 4-week
periods ; during the last 4-week period the amount was adjusted to equal the average of
the first two, on a daily basis. Live weights and 48-hour composite milk samples for
butter fat determinations were taken weekly.
Milk production averaged 8.66 per cent higher with Sudan grass than with Napier
grass. This was a very significant difference statistically, since for a probability of one
per cent with 25 degrees of freedom a value of 2.7 for t was necessary, whereas these data
give a value of 8.8 for t.
Butter fat percentage showed a mean gain of 0.11 ±0.0453 per cent with Napier
grass over Sudan. Significance at the 5 per cent probability level was indicated by a
calculated t value of 2.4.
Sudan grass was more palatable, as indicated by an average daily consumption of
58 . 2 lb. as compared to 54.3 lb. of Napier grass. The former is probably a better grass
for milk production for this reason. Lower palatability of Napier grass effected lower
production because of a smaller intake of protein and total nutrients. [J. N. W.]
The formation of a dairy type in native carabacs with a preliminary
study on physical measurements. TOMAS V. RIGOR (1939). Philipp. J. Anim.
Ind. 6 (3), 277-282.
T HE carabao is established in the economic life of Filipino farmers as a beast of
burden and a producer of meat and milk. The animals are quiet, docile and milk
quite well. They supply much of the milk on the Island.
A relationship between : ype and production in dairy cattle is known to exist. There-
fore, by breeding solely for one of these the attainment of ideals in the other is presupposed.
The development of the carabao will closely simulate that of other domestic milking
animals ; ideals will be approached by breeding and selection until they are fixed.
Such work was suggested by a special committee of the Bureau of Animal Industry in
1933. In 1937 funds were set aside for the purchase of 20 caraballas and one bull. Others
were purchased late in 1938. Past attempts at improvement of the native carabao have
shown that cross-breeding with the Indian buffalo for dairy and draft purposes has given
very encouraging results. A part of this work has been a special study of the relationship
between different body measurements in the hope that the evolution of dairy conforma-
tion might be facilitated.
Measurements which were taken gave the following correlation results : length of
body and height, +0.2230±0.1470 ; height and depth of chest,—0.1323±0.1520 ;
height and spring of ribs, —0.1929 ±0.1489 ; depth of chest and spring of rib, +0.1052
±0.1387 ; and length of body and depth of chest, —0.5280±0.1116.
Three points may be considered in dairy type, viz.: angular form, udder develop-
ment and its venation, and development of barrel or feed capacity. The last correlation
coefficient given suggests a significant relationship between length of body and heart
girth with reference to angular form as the length of body increases the heart girth dec-
reases. Breeding and selecting for longer body and/or smaller heart girth, within limits
of course, as well as at the same time for greater mammary development would result
relatively soon in a good dairy type in the native carabao. This is confirmed by the fact
that in this animal ample feed capacity is already well established. [J. N. W.]
Use of minerals in the maintenance of dairy cattle. T. P. LECKY (1939).
J. Jamaica Agric. Soc. 43 (9), 418-424.
T HE fact that livestock fed the same proportion of carbohydrates and proteins gave
different results led to the study of minerals late in the 19th century. In Jamaica
the native Zebu cattle do not exhibit mineral deficiencies as do Jerseys, Guernseys,
Angus and Devon bulls imported to ' grade up ' the former which the Jamaica pas-
tures are able to support. Dr Orr has indicated a solution for this difficulty, that is,
parallel' grading up ' of pastures and livestock.
Calcium (Ca), phosphorous (P), sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl) are those minerals in
which feeds are most frequently deficient, but may easily be supplied from common salt,
bone meal and limestone. Iron and iodine are amply supplied by Jamaica pasture
grasses.