CARE OF COWS.

North Otago Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2081, 3 January 1879, Page 2 (Supplement)

CARE OF COWS.

A correspondent of the " Country Gentleman," writing on the care of cows, says : — It is very important that cows are well provided for in every way to afford them the greatest comfort — the most essential point to be considered by the dairyman. The cows must be made quiet and comfortable ; pure water, from springs or pumps, ii of great importance, ana shade sufficient for a retreat from the burning sun in the beat of the day. The necessity of pure water is often overlooked. The cow, panttins with heat, is forced to the stagnant puddle or pool, covered, perhaps, with green scum. And when to be milked, she is often hurried from the pasture by dogs or inconsiderate boyi, and the little milk in her bag is in a poor condition to furnish her inhuman owner with milk from which a good butter can bo made. The material forchoice butter must first be manufactured from the cow. Her general health must be secured by an abundant supply of blood and flesh producing elements in all she eats and drinks. If the blood is pare, the whole system is in a healthy state. From her blood the milk is produced. If one is impure, so is the other, no matter what the cause may be, and the causes can be numbered by scores. There are many ways that cow's blood can be affected by neglect in winter, aa in summer. If the cow is cared for in every particular — the kind and quantity of food and drink, suitable stabling in winter, and kind and generous treatment in all things towards her, she will return these with compound interest in the pail. Where there are defects in the milk from any cause whatever, no skill of the dairyman can make good butter out of it. The way of producing the milk has been too much neglected. When the milk is sound and pure there is little left to the knack of butter making. Perfect cleanliness in everything the milk and cream comes in contact w«th, and pure •weet air, free from all offensive odours, are the essentials after milking. The real knack of butter makiug commences before drawing the milk from the cow. Take good care of the cow, and the most needful reform is commenced.