The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-09-02
Philadel hia Record


Public tests of celebrated dairy cows may be
of but little value to the average farmer, as he
does not practice the modes OF feeding during
such tests, nor give the same care and manage
ment to his stock. But the tests valuable,
as indicating what an animal can be forced to
do if the conditions essential to success
complied with. Now, the farmers business is
to discover what the conditions for the success
of his stock are. He may have the examples of
others as guides, which will materially assist
him; but there are conditions, however, peculiar
to his own circumstances, to which he must con-
form, and in which no one can assist him. His
SOIL climate. buildings. water shade, quality of
pasture, method of feeding, and kinds of food
u, Ell, are all important factors to be considered.
So far the denial of the utility of public tests
is concerned, the fact remains that they serve
as beacon lights in the direction of which all
must steer. 1t signifies nothing that the product
of the cow may apparently exceed the punitive
value of the food consumed for the figures are
stern. and point unerringly to the realization of
the object sought, and though the high-DresSure
public tests may be of kind not approved of by
| the farmer. yet they open mp to him wide field
for reflection, and teach him that while he NAV
not hope to equal such, yet he must also test
his stock, 1t he Is to succeed, without regard to
apaeity.
Every animal on the farm should be tested
whether cattle, sheep, swine or horses The
ordinary cow should have her merits known to
the dairyman. and he should familiarize himself
with her qualifications. not only Il mixer, but
as to the kind aud quantity of food hest adapted
| for her purposes, and the most profitable. A
COW may give only twenty pounds of milk day,
and yet be an excellent animal If she can pro
| duee that amount at low cost, while another
COW in the same herd may yield thirty pounds
per day. and vet prove Improbable compared
| with the other. The eve should give twin
| lambs. but 1t is more important that she give
them sufficient nourishment. we'll as yielding
| for herself fair average of wool. The mare
may be serviceable for all kinds of work, and
| yet be unproductive as breeder, while the SOW,
| though bringing forth large filters OF pigs may
be unsuccessful with them q nurse. Nor are
| the males to be excepted. The quality of their
| get is important, while they must also give Il
| profit for themselves as individuals.
In order to know each animal it must. there
| fore, be tested. and not only tested during
| tain seasons, but at periods ranging over the
whole year in order to thoroughly understand
| the conditions. Then the feed itself is 10 be
tested, as it differs in quality at certain times
| crop of hay one year may be different sub
| stance from that of another time, and hence the
| results obtained during certain periods will not
always enlghten the farmer as to his proper
| course at another time But such tests will
| materially assist him to avoid mistakes previ-
| oasly committed. and teach him where to econo
mize and when to be liberal and generous with
| his stock.
| Public tests demonstrate that there is no limit
| to the capacity of animal as long as the con-
ditions are not complied with She may be able
to DO more without having been given AN oppor-