148 DOMESTIC ANIMALS, DAIRYING, ETC. 



samples, labels for numbering the composite milk jars, and milk 

 record sheets for recording the weights of milk. 



The milk pails should be of the same weight, if not, one should 

 be selected as a weighing pail, and the adjustable hand on the scales 

 set back so that the weight of the empty pail causes the hand to stand 

 at zero. In this way no deduction for the weight of the pail need be 

 made. As soon as the milk is drawn the pail is hung on the scales, 

 and the exact weight recorded immediately in the proper place 

 under the cow's number on the record sheet. 



Every ninth week the milkers should weigh and sample each 

 cow's milk separately, for fourteen consecutive milkings. Sampling 

 the milk consists in taking a small quantity from each milking, 

 using a dipper provided for the purpose, and putting'the same into 

 the composite sample jar bearing the cow's number. It is understood 

 that each cow should have a number, and a milk jar numbered to 

 correspond into which is placed the sample dipper full from each 

 of the fourteen consecutive milkings as just indicated. This com- 

 posite test sample, as it is called, is kept from souring by placing a 

 corrosive sublimate tablet in the jar before taking the samples, one 

 tablet being sufficient to keep the composite sample sweet for two 

 weeks. The sample should be carefully agitated each day by a gentle 

 rotary motion of the sample jar, but care should be taken not to 

 throw the cream upon the sides of the vessel and allow it to adhere, 

 as this makes it difficult to get an accurate test. After the sample 

 from the fourteenth milking has been taken, the composite sample 

 is ready for testing, and the percentage of fat which it is found to 

 contain is the average percentage of fat in the milk for the week. 

 (111. Circ. 76.) 



Health of the Herd. There is no point of greater importance 

 in selecting animals for the foundation of a herd, or in making pur- 

 chases of additions, than to get perfectly healthy stock. Animals 

 chosen should be critically examined and should afford evidence of 

 being strong in constitution and of healthful vigor. It is advised 

 that all be tuberculin-tested and this, of course, should be done by a 

 competent veterinarian. 



Environment. Close confinement, with impure air and lack of 

 exercise, is as prejudicial to the health of milch cows as to that of 

 human beings. Some recently promulgated theories of dark, warm 

 stables and no exercise for profitable milk production are without 

 rational basis and certain to lead to disastrous results sooner or later. 

 Exposure to storms and cold is equally injurious to the health and 

 profit of cows. A judicious mean is the provision for moderate exer- 

 cise in the open air and sunshine, and the application of the same 

 common-sense care for the comfort of cows which one would approve 

 for members of his own household. 



Watchfulness. Every member of the herd, young or old, 

 should pass under the critical eye of the owner or his trusty assist- 

 ant daily, and preferably twice a day. The least symptoms of dis- 

 order, like dullness, loss of appetite, rough coat, and irregularity of 



