HOW TO MILK A COW.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 24, Issue 19, 11 March 1913, Page 7

HOW TO MILK A COW.

Inquiries as to the proper method ‘ of milking a fresh cow .have led E. i R. Stockwell, of the Dairy Depart- ! ment of Oregon Agricultural CoK lege to make the following state-' ment regarding the care of the cow - after calving. , j

Milking is generally considered such’ a simple operation that any common | labourer is supposed to be able to milk. There is, however, an immense' difference in milkers. One milker. may be able to get twenty per cent' more m'ilk than another. The milker should hot be allowed •’ to excite or worry the cow by loud talking or abuse of any kind. A cow should be milked quietly and quickly. As she is largely a creature of habit, special care should be take# to get all the strippings. The first milk drawn may contain as little as one per cent, of fat, while the last from 6 to 10 per cent.

In milkdng, the whole hand should be used, closing first next to the udder. Then the milk is forced past the sphincter muscle by closing the remainder of the hand. The cow’s teats should always be dry when milked. Wetting the teats is not only a dirty, filthy habit, but dt also allows the teats to chap and become sore in bad weather. If there is difficulty in milking a cow dry, a small amount of vaseline .may be rubbed on the hands ; it is beneficial rather than .harmful, both in a sanitary way and in its effects on the teats. The future of many a promising dairy cow has been ruined by improper milking soon after calving. The dairy cow has been abnormally developed to produce largo quantities of milk ; i consequently certain of her organs, such as the mammary glands have become greatly enlarged rn r l weakened just before and after parturition, due probably to the secret-' ing of large quantities. The art, or science, whichever we may call it, of milking can only ?e attained by those who are v. il in • to make a study of each individua 1 cow, .of her disposition, dairy temperament and physical condition. First, as to the care of the cow previous to parturition. She should not receive much grain, but eno • b bran ma h to keep her laxative. No succulent feed should be fed, as It stimulates milk secretion. !

After calving the calf should be allowed to take the first milk, and when it has all it will take, fmhh the milking with the calf still near. If the udder is hard and caked, a good massaging with the palm of the hand, with lard, or, better, with camphorated ointment, will be greatly hastened by the sucking of a hungry calf, because of the kneading it gives the udder with its nose. The most important things/ to keep in mind are : first, do not feed succulent feeds previous to parturition or for a * few days afterwardssecond, milk the cow three times daily after the calf has taken the first milk; third, if the udder is in a congested condition, massage it and allow the calf to suck frequently the first day.