. Cyclopedia of farm animals. Domestic animals; Animal products. 84 PRINCIPLES OF STOCK-FEEDING As regards the composition of the milk, too, the individuality of the animal is practically the deter- mining factor. While minor effects on the compo- sition have sometimes been produced by changes in feeding, they are relatively small and of little or no economic importance. For practical purposes, the composition of the milk is fixed by the inherited breed and individual peculiarities of the animal. This statement applies to the average composition of the milk. It is a well-known fact that the co
. Cyclopedia of farm animals. Domestic animals; Animal products. 84 PRINCIPLES OF STOCK-FEEDING As regards the composition of the milk, too, the individuality of the animal is practically the deter- mining factor. While minor effects on the compo- sition have sometimes been produced by changes in feeding, they are relatively small and of little or no economic importance. For practical purposes, the composition of the milk is fixed by the inherited breed and individual peculiarities of the animal. This statement applies to the average composition of the milk. It is a well-known fact that the com- position may differ from day to day or from milk- ing to milking, especially as regards the percent- age of fat. Some animals show very marked differ- ences of this sort, while in others they are much less ; on the average of several days or a week they almost entirely disappear. The stage of lactation is another factor in the animal which, as is well known, affects the yield of milk. A slight increase in the quantity is fre- quently noticed in the first month or so after calv- ing. Following that, the typical course is a slow falling off for several months followed by a rapid decrease as parturition is approached. Many ir- regularities occur, however, varying from animal to animal and from year to year with the same animal. The composition of the milk is also affected, the percentage of solid matter and especi- ally of fat tending to increase with advancing lactation, but these changes are also irregular and vary in different animals. Environment and care.—The surroundings and care of the animal may also affect the milk yield. (1) Milking. — The greater the frequency of milking, up to a certain limit, the more and richer milk has been found to be produced, at least in certain rather short experiments, although it may perhaps be doubted whether the difference would be very marked over a considerable period of time. On the other hand, incomplete milking, allowing residues
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Keywords: ., bookauthorbaileylh, bookcentury1900, bookdecade1920, bookyear1922
