HARD MILKERS.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 7, Issue 133, 8 February 1915, Page 7

HARD MILKERS.

TMIS USE OE DILATORS. There is a tendency to regard this trouble as curable only iu one way, i.c., by selling the ecw ic someone else, in the case of a young cow, cf a good milking strain, it is worth attempting a cure. Teat-dilators may be tried. These are inserted in the teat duet after milking - , and le.il there till Dm next milking. They are kept in place bv a tape passing through the eye ot the dilator, which is tied round the teat. Other instruments are obtainable which are self retaining. Great ait must be taken to slo-dilsc? the dilator beicre inserting, to prevent danger cf introducing germs. This is easily managed by boiling the instillment in water for 10 minutes The tube should be smeared with vaseline, which has been kept in an air-tight bottle, tc ensure an easy passage. The action cf the clilatcr is to relax the pressure cf the sphincter muscles, which may bo closing the opening of the teat. Sometimes the trouble is caused by a small growl it in (he duct. A vlstury is employed for removing tins, a lid veterinary attendance should be obtained, if possible. In the hands cf a skilled stockman it is a simple operation enough, but cave must be taken to sterilise instruments. The cow’s legs are strapped together above the hcckS’, the outside of the instrument smeared with vaseline, the teat held with the left hand, while the instrument is caret inly inserted in the duct, until the end passes the obstruction by about an inch. The knife rod is pushed up, so that the knife projects and the instrument is withdrawn into the tube to avoid cutting the passage. The bistoury is employed while the cow is in milk, Owing tc the danger through uncleaniiness, authorities oppose the use of dilators or bistoury, and advise massaging the test with dive oil or easier oil This may prove itnccecsf.nl iu simple cases.