SELECTION AND IMPROVEMENT OF DAIRY CATTLE 59 



3. Enables the herdsman to detect sickness. Often the 

 firsi indication that a cow is out of condition is seen on the 

 milk sheet. - . 



4 Makes it possible to judge of the work of different 

 milicers. 



5. Creates interest among the milkers that results in better 

 woi k on their part. 



When milk records are kept in this form it is recommended 

 tha; a sample covering two or three days be taken for a 

 Babcock test. This sample is tested for fat, and the result 

 considered the average for the month. 



Some dairymen weigh the milk on the first and fifteenth 

 of each month or at other stated intervals. From these 

 weights the yearly production may be estimated fairly ac- 

 curately, but the other advantages of daily weighing are 

 enough to make daily weighing preferable. In large herds 

 there is no way for the manager to keep close track of the 

 business except by daily weighing. 



48. Taking Samples for Testing. Where many cows 

 are in milk, the most convenient way of taking a sample is 

 with a sampling tube. If a tube is not at hand, a satisfactory 

 sample may be prepared by taking equal quantities of milk 

 from each milking with a very small dipper or spoon, and 

 placing them in a jar. The milk should be well stirred be- 

 fore the sample is taken. Pint glass jars with tightly fitting 

 covers are used to hold the samples. One is provided for 

 each cow and is marked with her name or number. Ex- 

 cept in very cold weather some preservative is used to keep 

 the milk from souring before it is tested. For this purpose 

 formalin, which may be purchased at any. drug store, is best. 

 Tea drops is sufficient to keep a sample for several days. 

 The sample when complete is tested with the Babcock test* 



