The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1908-02-01

HOIce ana given the regal limit, III Gays,
in which to get same in a sanitary and
acceptable condition. All notices thus
issued were complied with
Many substantial improvements were
made during the past year at a number
of the diaries in the erection of new barns
and milk houses Some of the diaries put
III boilers, which enables them to have
pressure for steam sterilization of cans,
bottles and in fact all dairy utensils,
which is a very valuable improvement
over the old method for cleansing of
same.
Need Better Drainage.
Some of the diaries need more atten-
ton as to drainage-better drain troughs
to convey the drainage further off from
the barns and premises. Others need i'm
provement in the floors, more uniform
solid surfaces, which would aid materially
in improving the drainage
Some of the diaries are provided with
water pressure for flushing floors and
drain troughs at periodical intervals which
is of much value in keeping dairy clean,
free from dust and obnoxious odors. l.
water under control, wherever practicable,
for the purpose above mentioned. While
others must make improvements in pro-
vlding better milk houses with wire screen
doors and windows for keeping out flies
during warm seasons.
The sanitary condition of wagons used
for the delivery of milk have been reason
ably good A number of new, first-class
wagons were purchased by the dairymen
and put into use during the year, yet
there are some wagons that must be Inn
proved.
A greater number of samples of milk
and cream were collected from dealers
during the past year and more thoroughly
tested than ever before. The work of test
ing milk has been greatly facilitated and
improved by the application of the latest
and most up-to-date electrical machines
now provided In the laboratory. The
percentage of fat in milk and cream and
the relative proportions of the other nor
NAL constituents with few exceptions,
was reasonabl good throughout the year.
Numerous tests were made from time
to time for authorizations, preservatives,
borax boric acid, formaldehyde and color
ing matter, resulting in the arrest and
conviction of one dairyman for disposing
, of milk and cream to which annatto had
been added as a foreign coloring matter.
Psychological Examination.
Frequently meteorological examinations
were made of milk offered for sale by
the different dealers, and while in some
instances the result obtained showed ex-
cessive bacterial contamination, due most
primarily to improper cooling of the
milk. While as a whole the results pro-
duced in this line were reasonably sat
isfactory, when the fact is considered that
meteorological investigations of milk
supply, as applied to inspection work in
southern cities is the latest improvement
in this direction. Owing to climatic in
fiuences, improperly equipped dairies in
many instances, and the lack of knowl-
edge and understanding on the part of
the dairymen as to the technical side
of this question at first; the results thus
far obtained are encouraging to the de-
partment Now that the dairymen have
had much instruction on the technic of
the more. scientific side of the milk ques-
tion they should be better prepared to
produce milk of an improved quality.
Still better results are expected in fu-
ture, and it is to be understood that the
department will be more rigid in this di-
rection.
The attention of the darymen is here
with called to some of the primary or
cardinal points of dairying, which, IL
properly observed, will prevent many OF
the troubles experienced in the produce
ton of sanitary milk supply.
"a Thorough cleaning and sterilization
of all containers, with hot water or steam
heat CD Cuean milking. (3) Careful
straining. "a Rapid cooling. lowest pos
sible temperature to be maintained until
milk is delivered.
Milk In Public Places.
During the coming year the department
will give more attention to milk being
served in lunch rooms and cafes Hereto
fore the quality of milk disposed of in
these establishments has not, been as good
as it should have been. The proprietors
of these places are requested to see that
their walters give more attention as to
keeping the storage cans properly covered
while milk is not being served. II these
cans are left uncovered for considerable
time. q practice which must not be toll
Grated, the milk is seriously exposed to
contamination from the bacteria of the
air, the dust, flies and other low forms