Because of the characteristic qualities of milk, the strictest sanitary measures should be observed in all the processes involved, from the time the milk is taken from the cow until it is delivered to the customer.
Milk undergoes certain physical, chemical and biological changes as soon as it is taken from the cow: the cream rises and thus it is separated from the milk; there is also a separation of the solids from the fluids.
Care in the Milking
A sanitary environment should be provided for the cows and special care should be taken in the process of milking to prevent the milk from becoming contaminated with dirt and filth. Those who handle this milk should take proper precautions to prevent dirt from getting into it. All utensils should be kept clean, sweet and free from sour milk.
Sanitary measures should include: Proper care and feeding, or the health of the milch cows; (2) proper regulation of the bottling and transportation of the milk. The cows should by all means be healthy, inasmuch as milk is an animal secretion. It is certain that if the animal is suffering from dis-ease, this secretion will not be normal. Over-exertion and fright will also affect the milk. Care must be exercised to detect dis-ease and such dis-eased animals should be separated from the herd and their milk not used.
Care of the Cows
The cows should have plenty of exercise, but care should be taken that they are not frightened or over-exerted. They should be provided with proper protection from the weather and should have plenty of fresh hay, ground whole grain, and, when possible, be allowed to graze. Spoiled vegetables or fruits, foul or fermented foods are detrimental to dairy cows. A proper supply of salt is necessary and plenty of pure, fresh water is absolutely essential for the health of cows.
Barns and Barnyards
The barns and barnyards where milch cows are kept should be free from manure, pools of stagnant water, dirt and refuse. The ground should be well drained so that it will not become water-logged. Such ground should be located on elevations to assure proper drainage. The habit of allowing the refuse to accumulate in large quantities before hauling it away is not only repulsive but very unsanitary and may become a source of pollution of the milk supply.
