66 THE MILK QUESTION 



udders. Some believe that clumped ^cells always indicate an 

 inflammatory condition. 



A high cell count, accompanied by streptococci, apparently 

 always indicates udder troubles. In many cases these have been 

 followed up to the dairy, and where this has been done, it is almost 

 always possible to find the source in some cow suffering from some 

 trouble in its udders. 



More data are needed before it can be definitely stated whether 

 ill-health in children can be traced to milk that would be con- 

 demned by the microscope, although this has apparently been 

 done in some cases. 



At the present time it is impossible to give any standard for 

 condemned milk by cell count, beyond the general rule that a 

 high cell count, accompanied by streptococci, indicates an inflam- 

 matory condition or otherwise diseased udders. 



Where the source of the milk is known, microscopic method of 

 study is of great value in picking out animals with diseased udders. 

 It is of especial help in directing attention to a herd that needs 

 inspection and has been extensively and satisfactorily used in this 

 way. In market milk, it is of great value where the source of the 

 milk is known and can be reached, and its chief value is in finding 

 the location of troubles rather than in condemning milk. 



Concerning the value of the microscopic examination of milk, 

 there are wide differences of opinion among those that have been 

 using it. A few regard it as of little value and have discarded it 

 entirely. Some have thought it of some value, but much less than 

 the bacteriological plate count. Others regard it of more value than 

 the plate count ;andsomehave looked upon it as of so much value as 

 to lead them to substitute it for the older method of bacteriological 

 examination by plates, this latter method of examining having 

 been quite abandoned. The claim is made in these cases that it 

 gives better and quicker results and has been found of practical 

 value in controlling the milk supply by pointing out the sources 

 of trouble. All who have used this method recognize that it gives 

 valuable data. 



Concerning the Lorenz dirt test, the committee would make 

 the following statement. Of the several methods of determining 

 the presence of dirt in milk the committee believe that the most 

 valuable is that of filtering it through a cotton disk. This com- 



