CHAPTER XLIV. 



THE MILCH GOAT. 



THE goat is widely used over the world as a source of milk 

 supply among the poorer people. Over much of continental 

 Europe Milch goats are a common sight in the market and 

 about the homes of people of limited means. There are 

 numerous breeds or kinds of goats used for this purpose, 

 but some are much greater producers of milk than are 

 others. 



The judging of Milch goats at the present day, accord- 

 ing to Pegler, 1 is largely based on a consideration of the 

 following features, in the order given: (1) milking quali- 

 ties; (2) size and shape; (3) quality and condition; (4) 

 color and markings. 



The milking quali- 

 ties of the goat are 

 manifested in the 

 appearance of the 

 udder, and the rela- 

 tionship of its size, 

 form and quality to 

 the period of lacta- 

 tion. The form of 

 the udder as viewed 

 from behind should 

 be wide and deep, 

 pressing close 

 against the thighs. 

 The goat udder is 



Fig. 254. "The milking qualities of the goat distinctly pendant, 

 are manifested in the appearance of the udder." , , ' J^ 



(Photo by courtesy Orange Judd Company.) and has but two 



1 The Book of the Goat. H. S. Holmes Pegler. Fourth edition. London, 

 1910, p. 276. 



