I have a bottle of DCI veal rennet purchased from D. Connection about 3 months ago. ( Sept. 7th). When i first started using it, it gave great result. 11, 12, 13 min flocs everytime. Then I took a month off from cheese making and when i started back in, about 2 weeks ago. The flocs havent been anywheres near as good as they where before. Made 3 batches with store bought milk and had 16, 16, 18 min flocs....I havent changed anything in the way of amounts, techniches or milk suppliers...Also over this past weekend i tried my first 2 batches of raw milk. Didnt add any CaCl to the first batch and had a 22 min floc.
...on the second batch i added a "little" more rennet and 1/2 tsp CaCl to 4 gals skimed and hit the 13 min. mark.... I know the easy answer here is the rennet has lost its strength. ""But"" I seam to remember reading a thread. talking about a cows change of diet in the winter months. can effect the milk. Could this be the problem?...The cows in my neck of the woods must have stopped field grazing about 4 weeks ago and are eatting silage now. could this be the cause?...could the milk be low in calcium?
