The Relationships among Cracked Soybeans Fed, Barn Temperature and the Degree of Unsaturation of Milk Fat,

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Abstract
Highly significant correlations existed between the mean barn temp. (recorded the same day, 1 day before, and 2 days before the cream samples were taken) and the iodine and thiocyanogen values of milk fat. The temp. recorded 1 day before the samples were taken had a closer correlation to changes in fat composition than that recorded the same day or 2 days before. These correlations existed with cows which were from 1 to 2.5 mos. along in lactation when the expt. started (late Nov.) Other correlations might have existed with cows calving at other times of the yr. and the trial run during other seasons. The maximum effect of changing feed on milk fat composition apparently was reached in approx. 20 days after the feed change was made, though this point was clouded by temp. changes, progress of lactation and gestation. Cows appeared to adjust themselves to the rations when fed over long periods of time so that iodine values were of constant magnitude and consistently different between rations. When rations were fed for short periods and then changed differences between iodine values were rather inconsistent. Non significant differences were found between iodine values of milk fat from cows alternated from a linseed meal ration to a soybean ration or vice versa. A significant difference was found in iodine values in milk fat produced from these two rations when they were fed continuously.