516 BUTTER 



cially if such crystals are of cube shape, retards solution, while 

 reasonably fine crystals enhance solution. Too fine salt also is 

 undesirable because it tends to paste and cake in the butter and 

 thereby hinders ready solution and even distribution. Salt of 

 the proper degree of fineness will pass through a sieve with 28 

 to 30 meshes to the inch. 



DEFECTS IN COLOR. 



As previously stated, the color of butter must be of the 

 intensity desired by the market where it is sold. 



According to Palmer 1 the natural yellow color of cream and 

 butter is derived from two classes of yellow pigment, the carotin 

 and xanthophyll, which accompany the green chlorophyll of 

 plants. These yellow pigments, particularly the carotin, are 

 found in the blood of the cow and it is in this way the carotin 

 passes from the feed to the milk gland where it associates itself 

 with the milkfat. Palmer classifies the following feeds with 

 reference to their carotin content and consequent property to 

 make yellow cream and butter as shown below. This classifica- 

 tion explains why cows fed on green pasture, as is the case in 

 early summer, produce a deep yellow butter, while in winter 



High Color Low Color 



Carotin-Rich Feeds. Carotin-Poor Feeds. 



Green pasture grass, especially A11 ha > T that has lost its green 



when fresh in the spring or color in curin S' such as most 

 - .j timothy and clover hay. 



Dry corn fodder (corn stover). 

 Hay, cured with a large part of A1 f corn silage> except when 



its original green color, such very new. 



as most western-cured alfalfa Straw, all kinds. 



hay. Corn, both yellow and white. 



All soiling crops. Wheat 



~ . , t All so-called mill by-products, 



Green corn fodder. , , , , 



such as wheat bran, brewers 



Very new corn silage. grains> cottonseed meal, lin- 



Carrots, and other yellow roots see d meal, natural gluten- 



and tubers. feed, etc, 



1 Palmer The Yellow Color in Cream and Butter. Missouri Circular 74, 



