712 ANNUAL REPORT OF NEW-YORK 



Comparison of different Methods of Feeding Dairy Coxes. 



Being desirous of comparing the result of my method of feed- 

 ing dairy cows with the system usually practised in this locality, 

 it occurred to me, that as my cows had been accustomed to sa- 

 voury steamed food, a change to ordinary food would be attended 

 with less favorable results than if they had been previously 

 treated in the common mode; and that under these circumstances 

 it would be better to institute comparisons with two near neigh- 

 bors, Mr. Smith and Mr. Paw son, whose practice and results I 

 had the opportunity of inspecting. 



Mr. Smith's cow was of rather small frame, but noted for her 

 usefulness as a good milker. At the time of calving her third 

 calf, about the 12th of November, she was in good condition, and 

 gave soon after 17 quarts of milk per day. Her owner states that 

 in the first three weeks (up to the time this comparison was begun) 

 her condition sensibly diminished — a result which I apprehend 

 will be invariable with cows giving this quantity of milk when 

 fed on meadow hay only, with which Mr. Smith's cow vras sup- 

 plied ad libitum^ and of which she consumed 28 pounds per day. 

 Mr. Pawson's was a nice heifer, three years old at the time of 

 calving her first calf, October 6th, in more than ordinary condi- 

 tion, and gave about 16 quarts per day. Her owner states, that 

 on the first of January her condition was much diminished; tliis 

 is corroborated by Mr. Myers, a dealer in the village, who tells 

 me, that previous to her calving, he was desirous of purchasing 

 her, and would have given from 17/. 10^. to 18/., and describes 

 her as being at that time full of beef. Her weight on the first 

 of January, 7 cwts. 2 qrs,, bespeaks her condition as much 

 lowered. 



During the montn of October, and till late in November, she 

 was turned out in the daytime to graze on aftermath, and housed 

 during the night, where she was supplied with turnips. From 

 the close of November till the first week in February, her food 

 consisted of — 



Meadow hay of inferior quality, 18 lbs. per day. 



Swede turnips, 45 " |' 



Ground oats, _ _ 9 " 



After this the ground oats were discontinued, and meadow hay 

 of good quality was given ad libitum , with 45 lbs. of turnips. 



