Il8 ILLINOIS STATE DAIRYMEN'S ASSOCIATION 



water tight. Water boxes that the cows may have access to water at all 

 times. 



The stable should be whitewashed at least once or twice a year; 

 also the milk house and can rack, which can be done neatly and quickly 

 with a spray pump. 



I find it a good plan after cleaning the stable to sprinkle the drop 

 and portions of the floor with air slacked lime. It is inexpensive and 

 will give the barn a healthy tone that will repay over and over for the 

 little trouble required. 



We aim to have the cows fresh in September and October. What 

 you might call a winter dairy. Stabling them in early fall, as soon as the 

 nights get uncomfortably cool, and turning them out in the morning, be- 

 lieving a milk cow should not be exposed to any frost. 



As the weather grows colder, keep them in all the time, except an 

 hour or so in the morning, or while the stables are being cleaned. We 

 then add the third feed of grain, and gradually increase till we get them 

 up to their full capacity. 



(Each cow has her individual stall, although I am aware that many 

 good dairy men donot consider this essential — she will quickly learn her 

 place, the feeder knows where to find each cow. I believe a cow feels 

 at home in the stall she has become accustomed to. 



Then each milker must commence with the same cow, also milking 

 the same cows in regular rotation. The milking should be done quickly, 

 quietly, and is as cleanly a manner as possible. 



The bedding should be thoroghly shaken up while the cows are out 

 in the morning. Also straightened out in the evening before commenc- 

 ing to milk, not allowing it to bunch up. Have an abundance of bedding, 

 aside from the comfort of the cow it serves to keep them clean and dry, 

 at the same time your loads of fertilizers will be doubled, which is no 

 small item in keeping up the productiveness of the farm. 



When we are ready to milk, take two cans to the stable; as first can 

 is filled set the strainers in the second can, and immediately remove the 

 first to the cooling vat in the milk house, replacing it with another can 



