DAIRY INSPECTION 141 
laid on concrete are also used for platforms and floors. 
It is claimed for them that they combine the good prop- 
erties of cement and wood and at the same time do not 
have any of the undesirable properties of those sub- 
stances. An earth floor is most objectionable. Unless 
plenty of good absorbent litter is used it is very likely 
to be wet and dirty; it finally becomes saturated with 
urine and liquid manure, which decompose and liberate 
foul-smelling gases. 
The rear 18 inches of the platform should slope 
slightly toward the gutter, just sufficient to cause liquids 
to flow in that direction. Too much slope is likely to 
cause the cow to slip; it also causes the cow to stand down 
in the gutter and favors prolapse of the vagina and 
similar troubles. It is desirable to have a depression in 
the front of the platform 34 inch deep and extending 
back about 18 inches from the anterior border. This will 
prevent cows from falling on their knees when attempt- 
ing to rise or when reaching for feed, and will also have 
a tendency to keep the litter from being pushed toward 
the rear of the stall (Fig. 11). 
The length of the platform is important; if too long, 
the feces are dropped where the cow can lie upon them; 
if too short, the cow is uncomfortable and stands down 
in the gutter. The proper length is 44% to 5% feet, 
differing with the size of the cow. Frequently, where 
a number of cows stand in a row, the platforms are made 
4Y% feet long at one end with a gradual increase to 51% 
feet at the other end of the row, thus supplying platforms 
of different lengths on which the cows can be placed ac- 
cording to size. The platform for each cow should be 
3% to 4 feet wide, depending upon the size of the cow. 
The width is quite as important as the length, because 
