THE PHILIPPINE 



Journal of Science 



A. Chemical and Geological Sciences 

 and the Industries 



Vol. VIII JUNE, 1913 No. 3 



THE COMPOSITION OF VARIOUS MILKS AND THEIR ADAPT- 

 ABILITY FOR INFANT FEEDING 



By Francisco Agcaoili 



(From the Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Bureau of Science, 

 Manila, P. I.) 



One plate 



One of the most important factors responsible for the exces- 

 sive death rate among Filipino children is found in the quality 

 of milk frequently employed to nourish small children. The 

 supply of fresh cow's milk is very limited throughout the Phil- 

 ippines generally, and recourse cannot therefore be had to this 

 common substitute for the natural milk of the mother. The 

 milk of goats can be obtained in some localities, but the supply 

 is far too small to alleviate the situation. This is especially un- 

 fortunate, as the goat has been found of great value in tropical 

 countries, the child obtaining its food directly from the animal 

 in many cases, thus avoiding all danger from outside contamina- 

 tion of the milk (Plate I). 



Carabao milk is abundant, but not well suited for young chil- 

 dren. The fat content is very high, and the milk shows a marked 

 tendency to form large curds. It is seldom found on the market 

 in an unadulterated condition, and is rarely collected in a sanitary 

 manner. It may safely be said that all fresh milks available 

 at prices within reach of the poorer classes are highly danger- 

 ous owing to bacterial contamination, and should never be em- 

 ployed as food, especially for children. 



The choice of a substitute for mother's milk is thus confined 

 to various canned milks and prepared infant foods which are 

 available in a satisfactory condition and at a reasonable price. 

 During the past five years the Bureau of Science has had occasion 



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