312 Planning and Construction of Cow-Sheds. [July, 



produce clean milk," published in the April issue of this 

 J ok rnal, that : — 



"It is desirable, however, to study this question from different points 

 of view and to maintain a due sense of proportion. It is quite correct to 

 say that clean milk of the highest standard can be produced under very 

 primitive conditions, provided attention is given to the cleanliness of the 

 utensils, the cow and the milker, but it may not be a practical proposition 

 to attempt to maintain such a standard of cleanliness, day after day, 

 summer and winter, without taking steps to improve the cowshed or the 

 water supply, and thus lessen the expenditure of time and labour. 



The point of view of the cowman or milkers must also be appreciated ; 

 if nothing is done by the master to prevent cows wading in filthy mud or 

 lying down amongst manure, one must not be surprised if exhortations to 

 greater cleanliness meet with little response from the men. On the other 

 hand, through carelessness or ignorance as to proper methods, an ideal 

 cowshed and dairy with a complete plant may turn out milk which soon 

 goes sour." 



This is a thoroughly commonsense argument based on an 

 understanding of human nature, and it is the human factor 

 which counts most of all in the production of clean milk. 



Under the present conditions both of farming and building the 

 main factor in construction will be the question of cost, and un- 

 fortunately the equipment of modern cow-houses has too often 

 been carried out on far too lavish a scale. Money has been spent 

 on non-essentials both in construction and fittings, without any 

 corresponding advantages in cheap or clean production. 



Obviously an effort should be made to obtain due balance 

 of all the factors — arrangement, construction, fittings, and the 

 human element — so that without needless expenditure upon build- 

 ing the workers may be led to take a pride and interest in their 

 work under stimulating conditions conducive to cleanliness and 

 efficiency. 



Broadly speaking no attempt is here made to dogmatise, but 

 rather to illustrate plans and a form of construction which it is 

 believed would be found cheap and convenient, easy to erect 

 and suitable for extension and standardisation,. 



Again to quote Mr. Mackintosh : — 



" It is unnecessary to attempt to lay down any general rules beyond 

 stating that there should be good light and ventilation, and stalls and 

 floors so constructed that they will assist in keeping cows clean. Regula- 

 tions as to ventilation, air space, and superficial area have little to do with 

 clean milk production apart from their bearing on the health of the 

 cows." 



So far as general arrangement is concerned it may be said 

 that if accommodation is required for more than 12 or 15 cows 



