MILK PRODUCTION 247 



Regular attention is of especial importance. This applies 

 to time of milking, time of feeding, period for exercise and 

 water in the winter*, and for cleaning the stalls. Cows should 

 not be disturbed when lying down during the middle of the 

 day. Kind treatment should be the invariable rule. Dairy 

 cows are usually sensitive and respond to gentle care and 

 humane treatment. 



HANDLING AND CARE or MILK 



Importance of clean milk. The quantity of milk ob- 

 tained is influenced by the kind of cows kept, and by their 

 feeding. The quality of the milk depends upon how it is 

 handled. Both quantity and quality must be considered if 

 milk is to be produced with profit. Keeping milk clean, 

 whether it is used to supply the farm home or is sold, is 

 extremely important. If it is to be sold, milk which has 

 been certified or guaranteed to be clean brings a higher 

 price. Dirty milk may not be allowed to be sold at all. 

 The farmer should be quite as careful with the milk that is 

 used in his own home as he is required to be with that for 

 sale. 



The reason for placing so much emphasis upon the cleanli- 

 ness of milk lies in the injurious effects that are known to 

 follow the use of impure milk. Dirt is a source of real danger 

 because of the bacteria that are always associated with it. 

 It is now well known that impure milk is the cause of many 

 digestive disorders, especially in children. Besides, other 

 more serious diseases, such as typhoid fever and diphtheria, 

 have been traced to a milk supply that was infected through 

 the ignorance or carelessness of someone handling the milk. 

 The effects of impure milk are regarded as being so dangerous 



