The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-09-30
FARM AND
GARDEN ~
INTERESTS
Dairy Cow Not a Machine.

Hoards Dairyman.
The cow is looked upon by too many
dairymen as a mere unfeeling machine,
the dairymen having but to apply the belt
and power of food when the machinery is
Immediately set in motion that Will result
in return to the dairyman for his outlay
in a sure amount of milk; that under any
and every condition whenever our dairy
man at his own convenience places before
her the proper food. the amiable and long
suffering cow will at once be compelled by
reason of her internal organism, to begin
the manufacture of milk which the dairy
man may, without let or hindrance on her
part, take from her at the close of the pro-
cess. On the contrary, the cow has an ex-
tremely sensitive organism which demands
the same thoughtful care in providing for
her comfort that We give our human kind;
food of the right kind, at the right time.
and in the exact amount she can best take
care of; light. fresh air. freedom, tempera-
ture carefully regulated comfort of body
and peace of mind.
This statement may sound to many ex-
IRENE, but ii is supported by abundant tes-
timony. and failure to recognize it's truth
on the part of SO many dairymen mot all
by any means) Is costing the owners of
nearly 100000 cows In the United States
many million dollars each year. 1t Is GER
! tainly a subject worthy the serious atten-
! ton and study of every thoughtful, pro-
sresslVe dalryman, and one which will re-
pay In dollars and cents the time thus ex-
| pended. The cow is no a machine
| than is the human mother. She is, il prop
erly treated, gentle, sensitive creature,
| governed by the laws of love and fear. Note
| with what affection and pleasure she gives
| down her milk to her calf, and will contin-
| ue so to do for kind master; but in anger
or fright, in cold, in filth, tormented in a
thousand ways known and unknown, or on
| 1nsufnclent food, is ii reasonable to expect
| the same generous, healthful product?
machine might do equally good work
but even machine has it's limita tons
/ In freezing temperature and under other
| adverse conditions; but the cow If she is
| compelled to remain out of doors or in a
| cold barn at her masters WILL unconscious
ly avenges herself, as much of her food
| must go Tor fuel purposes to keep her bodily
warmth up to the required temperature.
| well-made machine will undoubtedly do
| equally good work If there were a half
| dozen dogs, and as many milking stools,
asserting themselves in its vicinity, but not
so with the gentle cow made irate by either
| or both Not only is the quality of her milk
| damaged toften to the point of rendering it
poison to the infant). but the quantity of it
as certainly and promptly reduced. The
| cow is not a machine. She repays all man.
ner of care for her creature comfort with
an increased flow of milk; and even more
| than this, she. responds in the same gener-
Gus way TO words of endearment and pet
ting. 1t is common knowledge that many
| a herdSman and mixer has by his gentle
and genuine love for his cows so completely
won their affection that no one else has
| ever been known to get the same amount OF
| milk that he can.