MILKING METHODS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1738, 1 May 1913, Page 8

MILKING METHODS.

DRi" VERSUS WET HANDS. Discussing the question of which is tho best method of milking—with net or dry hands—and why, J. M. Peterson, winner :of- the essay competition on the subject, instituted by the Dairy and Food Department of the State of Minnesota, lias the following to say:— "In comparing different • methods of milking there are three things, I believe, which- ought to be considered as being of;,the greatest importance, namely, cleanliness, its effect upon the cow, and rapidity. "The first-named is the one which wo need to consider the most as it directly affects the quality of dairy, products, for vithout clean, wholesome milk it is an ,absolute impossibility to bring out a good dairy produce no matter what is done tov-. it. . ; " "After milk has once become dirty it may .be strained ever so much and tho essence of tho dirt will still remain in, tho milk. "For this reason, dry-hand is better jtljan, wet-hand milking because if all external dirt and dust aro removed from' the udder and teats, there still remains eome dirt in the pores which in wet-hand milking aro washed and worked out. as i£;were, and is constantly being drawn downwards towards the end of the teat-s where it will eventually join the milk. "The same holds true as regards tho hands of the milker, for no matter how clean; you may wash your hands there al--wa'ys- remains some dirt in the pores which will, bo worked out by wet-hand imilking. "Also in .warm weather the hands will perspire mora or less and this perspiration will also join the milk in tho man-ner-described above.

"Now, as; to the effect on the cow of dry.; and wet-hand milking. To obtain tho best results, the time of milking must be as pleasant to the cow as any other. . "For this reason too, I believe, dry•hand; milkiug should be preferred, as it "will'irritate less the dedicate tissues of thei; wider 'and teats. Also in cold weather the teats are not so liable to bcconte chapped and cracked and consequently sore when dry-hand instead of veMiand* bilking is used.

"Then it-J i 9 possible to milk a good deal more rrapidly with dry hands than with wet. SThis may seem a mere trifle at .first glance, but still if you only gained a Semite's-time per cow at each milking on'; a herd of 15 cows you would be one-hall', hour ahead each day. which if summed'up for the month and the year wonld mean a considerable saving in time."