The Creamery Patron's Handbook (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1902 edition. Excerpt: ...latter. The average tests from twenty-five herds using malt grains was 3.5 per cent. of fat. The average of thirty-four herds using sweet feed was 3.95 per cent. of fat. The effect of ensilage could not be determined in this test as no dairyman in this vicinity uses it. It was also observed that the dairies supplying the creamery also had a higher per cent. of fat than those using the malt feed. The difference in the cattle and surroundings would hardly account for this condition. The creamery does not buy on the basis of a butterfat test, and never makes a test, so that could not be a stimulant to a higher grade of milk or protect against a water adulteration. The water supply is of even greater importance than the food. The water supplies a double purpose, that for the animals, and cleansing and rinsing the vessels and cooling the milk. The food can affect the milk only as it may influence the animal and as particles may accidentally gain entrance during the milking process. The water is used directly upon the buckets, cans, and other appliances, and if it be contaminated it adds its infection instead of taking away. It is not contended that impure water may pass through the cows and affect the milk, but that the great danger is from its use upon the vessels. It should be that a water unfit for domestic use should never be used for cattle to drink or in any dairy operation. A dairy cow demands a very large amount of water daily, from 12 to 16 gallons, and safety demands that the water be of known purity. The water from a tubular well is a much safer water from a hygienic standpoint than that from any other source. The water from a twenty-foot driven well must come from the bottom, and little contamination need be expected, while that...