30 THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA 



GOATS FOR MILK SUPPLY 



John P. Torrey, 1915. 

 (Abstract) 



Goats are being bred in the United States for the milk sup- 

 ply of small suburban households. Native goats do not give 

 more than a quart or two a day but crossed with high bred ani- 

 mals of Swiss origin may be made to yield form three to six 

 quarts daily. Goat breeders claim for them : 



1. Immunity from tuberculosis. 



2. A richer milk, containing more sugar fats and proteins 

 than cow's milk, and more palatable when kept clean. 



3. A finer emulsification of fats which makes the goats' 

 milk superior to cow's milk for feeding babies. 



4. A cleaner animal, easier to handle, and house, yet furnish- 

 ing a valuable fertilizer in their droppings. 



5. Cheapness of feed required to support, and also a ready 

 means of clearing weeds, brush, and kitchen waste. 



6. Greater production in proportion to weight by five times 

 that the cow's yield, joined with value of hides and meat. 



Difficulties in the way : 



1. Goats are subject to several diseases if not kept clean. 



2. Lack of proper stock, as natives are poor yielders, and 

 importation of stock from Switzerland, France, Egypt, and Arm- 

 enia, is not permitted because of foot and mouth disease epidemic 

 in these countries. 



3. To insure a constant milk supply, facilities for breeding 

 are necessary, but is best afforded by several families combinmg 

 to support a stud of registered bucks on a nearby farm outside 

 of town, since the buck has a very disagreeable odor, not shared 

 by the doe when she is kept clean. 



The government has at last become interested and is ex- 

 perimenting in several stations so that in time we may have some 

 accurate data from which to draw conculsions. 



