The city of New York is doing more to safeguard and to improve its milk supply than any other large city in this country. A brief summary of its regulations and methods follow. A copy of the rules is furnished to each dairyman and is supposed to be posted in the stable.
The Cows.
1. The cows must be kept clean, and manure must not be permitted to collect upon the tail, sides, udder and belly of any milch cow.
2. The cows should be groomed daily, and all collections of manure, mud or other filth must not be allowed to remain upon their flanks, udders or bellies during milking.
3. The clipping of long hairs from the udder and flanks of the cows is of assistance in preventing the collection of filth which may drop into the milk. The hair on the tails should be cut, so that the brush will be well above the ground.
4. The udders and teats of the cow should be thoroughly cleaned before milking; this to be done by thorough brushing and the use of a cloth and warm water.
5. To prevent the cows from lying down and getting dirty between cleaning and milking, a throat latch of rope or chain should be fastened across the stanchions under the cow's neck.
6. Only feed which is of good quality and only grain and coarse fodders which are free from dirt and mould should be used. Distillery waste or any substance in a state of fermentation or putrefaction must not be fed.
7. Cows which are not in good flesh and condition should be immediately removed and their milk kept separate until their health has been passed upon by a veterinarian.
8. An examination by a veterinary surgeon should be made at least once a year.