THE PRODUCTS OF THE DAIRY. 187 



the milk first drawn, indicates that the fat rises in the 

 udder. 



The Influence of Pood is perhaps greater than any 

 other factor in determining the profit that may be de- 

 rived from the dairy ; its influence is felt, not only on the 

 quantity of milk produced, but on the quality of the 

 products derived from it. A specific breed possesses cer- 

 tain capabilities, the value of which are dependent in 

 large measure upon the food that is supplied. 



By proper feeding is meant, not only that the animal 

 should receive a sufficient amount of nutriment in the 

 right proportions, but also that the materials furnishing 

 the nutrients should be clean and wholesome, and free 

 from any substance that may injure the quality of the 

 product. 



Pasture and Hay. Pastures and green foods, for 

 instance, composed only of the true grasses and clovers, 

 are nutritious and wholesome, and can have no injurious 

 effect upon the health of the animal or the quality of 

 the product; while those which include a large number 

 of weeds may not only be dangerous to the health of 

 the animal, but may cause an undesirable flavor in the 

 milk, and an inferior quality of the butter or cheese pro- 

 duced from it. Hay free from weeds, if well made and 

 the desirable properties retained, is an excellent food ; but 

 if improperly cured and the characteristic odor destroyed, 

 and so badly stored as to cause it to heat and mould, its 

 feeding will result in a much poorer quality of product. 



Coarse Products and Concentrated Feeds The 



coarse products, straw and stalks, and the concentrated 

 feeds composed of the cereal grains and refuse mill pro- 



