592 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



they were fed almost exclusively nn carrots (60 to 75 lbs. per head daily | for a third 

 period of 8 days. As an additional ration to natural pasturage, the carrots increased 

 the yield of milk, but when the cows were fed almost exclusively on carrots and 

 deprived of pasturage, the yield was diminished. 



Experiment on the housing- of milk cows in autumn, P. H. Foulkes (Bd. 

 Agr. and Fisheries [London], Ann. Rpt. Agr. Education and Research, 1903-4, pp. 

 101-103). — In an experiment from November 2 to December 7, 1901, 5 cows were 

 stabled each night and fed a small amount of hay, while 5 other cows were turned 

 out on pasture during the night. The experiment was repeated from November 22 

 to December 13, 1902, and from October 31 to November 28, 1903. During each 

 period extremes of temperature were experienced. 



The cows stabled at night produced on the whole less milk than those turned out 

 on pasture. The fat content of the milk was increased during the first experiment 

 by turning out to pasture, while during the second and third experiments there was 

 practically no difference. It is stated that the increase in the live weight of the 

 animals showed that they did not suffer when turned out at night. The extra cost 

 of stabling is estimated at about 31 cts. per head per week, while no estimate is 

 placed upon the value of the pasture. 



Variations in the composition of milk and their probable causes, D. A. Gil- 

 christ et al. {County Councils Cumberland, Durham, and Northumberland, Ayr. Dept. 

 Durham Col. Sci. Rpt., 12 {1903), pp. 54-75).— In 6 localities in Northumberland 

 County the milk of individual rows and the mixed milk of herds were tested and 

 data collected as regards breed of cows, times of milking, weather conditions, and 

 rations fed. In all about 50 cows were tested, the periods varying from 1 month to 

 1 year, and the tests being made daily, once in 2 weeks, or monthly. 



The results indicate that when milking takes place early in the afternoon the 

 morning's milk of a herd may frequently fall below the legal standard Of 3 per cent 

 of fat and 8.5 per cent of solids-not-fat. As a remedy a third milking as late as pos- 

 sible in the evening is suggested. Even with nearly equal intervals between milkings 

 the tests show that the milk of a few cows may very frequently fall below the legal 

 standard. In general the considerable changes made in the feeding of the different 

 herds during, the progress of the tests did not seem to affect materially the quantity 

 or quality of the milk. In one instance, however, when the cows were pastured, 11 

 qt. of milk was required to produce 1 lb. of butter, while 9 qt. was sufficient when 

 the cows were fed indoors. 



When cows were exposed to cold weather the fat content of the milk was con- 

 siderably lowered. Cows of a nervous and excitable temperament showed greater 

 variations than those of a more quiet disposition. " When a cow is in season the 

 milk has usually less fat and is less in quantity. It has been noticed in one or two 

 cases that the milk is richer in fat immediately before this time." The importance 

 of regularity in the times of feeding and milking in order to lessen variations is 

 dwelt upon. 



The character of milk during the period of heat (oestrum), C. F. Doane 

 {Maryland Sta. Bid. 95, pp. 25-30). — Determinations were made of the total solids, 

 fat, protein, casein, and sugar in the milk of 5 cows before, during, and after the 

 periods of heat. In no case was the percentage of fat lower than normal during the 

 period of heat, and in only two instances was there any increase. No variations 

 were observed in the other constituents, nor in the temperature of the cows. 



"From these results, and as far as chemical analyses show, it would seem that the 

 milk from cows during the period of heat is in a practically normal condition and tit 

 for consumption." The possibility of the milk containing some abnormal constitu- 

 ent during the period of heat is, however, mentioned. 



