566 



Journal of Agricultural Research 



Vol. V, No. 13 



While diuresis resulted and more water was lost through the gut, 

 as indicated by a softer consistency of the feces, the volume of milk 

 secreted was not decreased. This is to be explained by the fact that 

 simultaneously with the increased urine flow more than sufficient water 

 was consumed to cover the loss. By stimulation of thirst the excessive 

 concentration of the body fluids was prevented, and the milk flow was 

 not decreased. 



'In just what manner the relations between milk flow and urinary 

 secretion with alfalfa hay are brought about is not clear. Whatever agent 

 may be responsible for the diuresis, its action evidently is different 

 from that of urea or sodium chlorid as observed in these studies with the 

 goat. 



INFLUENCE OF DIURESIS UPON THE COMPOSITION OF MILK 



It will be noticed in Tables I and VI that with decrease of milk volume 

 as caused by diuresis the percentage of total solids is increased. This 

 increase is usually completely accounted for by the increase in fat content. 

 The nitrogen content is not changed. 



Table VI. — Effect of diuresis on milk solids of goat 2 

 PERIOD I 



