402 ■ Report of Farmers' Institutes 



Milk is a cheap, complete, and easily digested food. In food 

 value, a quart of milk is equivalent to three-quarters of a pound 

 of sirloin. It contains all the essential elements for a complete 

 and balanced ration. 



clean milk 



Clean milk contains few living organisms, or " bacteria," as 

 they are called, and little or no visible dirt. Milk as it comes 

 from healthy cows is pure, so that the secret of producing clean 

 milk is simply to prevent as completely as possible all chances for 

 dirt and bacteria to find their way into the milk, and then to keep 

 the milk cold so that those that do get in will not multiply. It is 

 dirt and bacteria in milk that cause it to spoil. Milk that is pro- 

 duced by clean methods and kept cold will remain sweet for many 

 days. 



CLEAN STABLES 



Milk readily absorbs odors and flavors; therefore, a stable in 

 which cows are kept should be clean, especially during milking 

 time. If silage is fed, it should be given after milking and should 

 be cleaned up before the next milking period. The stable should 

 be so constructed as to afford little chance for dirt to lodge. Floors 

 that can be easily cleaned and that will not absorb liquid manure 

 should be used. Cows should not be fed hay or other dusty feeds, 

 nor should bedding be distributed during milking time. The dust 

 thus raised falls into the milk and carries bacteria with it. Abun- 

 dance of light and fresh air are essential in a dairy barn. 



CLEAN cows 



Most of the dirt that finds its way into the milk falls from the 

 bodies of the cows. It is essential, therefore, that the cows be 

 kept clean. The platform on which the cows stand should be 

 short enough to allow the manure to drop into the gutter ; an 

 adjustable stanchion will naturally assist. This is important in 

 keeping the cows clean. Cows that are kept in the stable need 

 to be groomed, but this must be done sufficiently long before milk- 

 ing to permit the dust to settle. Wipe the cows' udders and flanks 

 with a damp cloth; this requires only a short time and will do 



