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The Reliability of Bi-Monthly Tests

Warren Gifford

University of Missouri

ABSTRACT

The problem of obtaining an accurate quantitative measure of the dairy cow's inherited producing ability has occupied the attention of dairymen since very early times. According to Morse (1), perhaps Pyrrhus, in 300 B.C., who measured milk from cows that produced approximately 40 liters per day was one of the first to realize the importance of such a measure. The great developments in tests and measures that have adapted themselves to such a purpose have been made during the past half century.

The strictly official plan of testing, as accepted at the present time by the Holstein-Friesian Association of America (2), has met the requirements as a test that is accurate for the period of time that it is put into operation and has eliminated to a great extent, fraudulent practices that may occur in the making of records.

Although the strictly official test plan has met the requirements of an accurate quantitative measure of the dairy cow's producing ability under certain conditions of management and feeding, it has not met with favor among dairy cattle breeders.

The author is greatly indebted to H. W. Norton, Jr., Superintendent of Advanced Registry. Holstein-Freisian Association of America, for his assistance in securing a large number of the records studied; and to Professors C. W. Turner and A. C. Ragsdale, University of Missouri, for their many helpful suggestions.