DAIRY INSPECTION 149 
dition of the flanks and udder. The condition of the 
cows in this respect is usually an indication of the care 
they receive and of the efforts made to keep the milk 
clean. It is not necessary for the inspector to be present 
when the work is done in order to determine if the cows 
are regularly cleaned. When cows are regularly 
groomed, the posterior quarters are comparatively free 
from dried manure and the hair coat is smooth and some- 
what glossy. The hair is also shorter and thinner than 
on cows which are not regularly brushed. Clipping the 
hair short on the udder, flanks, buttocks, and tail, and 
cutting three or four inches off the switch if it touches the 
floor, is of great assistance in keeping the cows clean, and 
evidence of clipping is an indication that the cows are 
regularly groomed. Exfoliations from the skin and par- 
ticles of dirt are likely to collect in the hollows about the 
root of the tail and their presence in any great quantity 
points to carelessness or neglect in cleaning. Fresh 
manure on the buttocks (point of ischium) is not neces- 
sarily an indication that the cow was not properly cleaned. 
These parts are readily soiled if, during defecation, the 
tail is pressed down on the feces and is subsequently 
moved from side to side. 
2. Stage of Lactation Examination and inquiry 
should be made regarding the stage of lactation. The 
daily milk record, if available, will be of great assistance 
in discovering cows near the end of lactation. When the 
milk flow has decreased to a quart (2 pounds) a day or 
less, the milk is likely to have a salty taste or a strong, 
cow-like odor and taste, and in many cases the cream will 
not “butter.” Such cows should be “ dried off.” The 
secretion of fresh cows should be examined for the char- 
acteristics of colostrum. 
