178 FARM ANIMALS 



the only point worth mentioning in connection 

 with them was that all the rations were compound- 

 ed with reference to the quality of the food so as 

 to give a suitable balance. 



In addition to the food, various other things 

 exercise a greater or less effect upon the milk yield. 

 Thus, in sudden changes of weather unfavorable 

 results may be experienced in the diminution of 

 the amount of milk obtained. The dairy cow is 

 rather a nervous creature and responds quickly to 

 these changes. It is desirable from a financial 

 standpoint, if no other consideration appeals to the 

 farmer, to protect the cows against inclement 

 weather, especially cold rains. Muddy sheds, 

 insufficient amount of bedding, excessive attacks 

 of flies, worry from dogs and from the presence 

 of strange attendants, any of these immediately 

 influence unfavorably the amount of milk obtained. 



The question is often brought before the farmer 

 regarding the forms in which he may most profit- 

 ably dispose of his dairy products whether as milk, 

 cream, or butter. As a rule, a greater profit is 

 obtained for the milk as such or for cream than 

 can be secured in the form of butter. Thus, if 

 the farmer can obtain from seventeen to nineteen 

 cents per gallon for milk and seventy cents per 

 gallon for cream, as is usually the case, the milk 

 fat would have to be paid for at the rate of forty 

 cents and the butter would have to sell for thirty- 

 three cents a pound in order to realize the same 

 amount for the milk. Creameries, however, almost 

 never pay that much for milk fat, and farm butter 

 cannot be sold for an average price of thirty-three 

 cents a pound. The result is that for most farmers, 

 the greatest profit is to be derived from selling the 

 milk or cream. Professional dairymen keep an 



