DAIRY INSPECTION 149 



dition of the flanks and udder. The condition of the 

 cows in this respect is usually an indication of the care 

 they receive and of the efforts made to keep the milk 

 clean. It is not necessary for the inspector to be present 

 when the work is done in order to determine if the cows 

 are regularly cleaned. When cows are regularly 

 groomed, the posterior quarters are comparatively free 

 from dried manure and the hair coat is smooth and some- 

 what glossy. The hair is also shorter and thinner than 

 on cows which are not regularly brushed. Clipping the 

 hair short on the udder, flanks, buttocks, and tail, and 

 cutting three or four inches off the switch if it touches the 

 floor, is of great assistance in keeping the cows clean, and 

 evidence of clipping is an indication that the cows are 

 regularly groomed. Exfoliations from the skin and par- 

 ticles of dirt are likely to collect in the hollows about the 

 root of the tail and their presence in any great quantity 

 points to carelessness or neglect in cleaning. Fresh 

 manure on the buttocks (point of ischium) is not neces- 

 sarily an indication that the cow was not properly cleaned. 

 These parts are readily soiled if, during defecation, the 

 tail is pressed down on the faeces and is subsequently 

 moved from side to side. 



2. Stage of Lactation. Examination and inquiry 

 should be made regarding the stage of lactation. The 

 daily milk record, if available, will be of great assistance 

 in discovering cows near the end of lactation. When the 

 milk flow has decreased to a quart (2 pounds) a day or 

 less, the milk is likely to have a salty taste or a strong, 

 cow-like odor and taste, and in many cases the cream will 

 not " butter." Such cows should be " dried off." The 

 secretion of fresh cows should be examined for the char- 

 acteristics of colostrum. 



