600 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 



feeder has been compelled at times to pay Chicago prices for his grain. 

 The successful cattle feeder is a benefit to his community, as he fur- 

 nishes a home market for the surplus grain; also a home market for all 

 well-fed cattle. 



In conclusion, I would say advisedly to you to encourage the man 

 behind the steer as he is a public benefactor to your community. 



EXPERIMENTS WITH HAND-FED CALVES. 



Extracts from Kansas Experiment Station Bulletin. 



With the advent of creameries, skimming stations, and hand separa- 

 tors, the question of seccessful and economical raising of calves on skim- 

 milk is one of growing importance and vital concern to every creamery 

 patron and private dairyman. As land increases in value, we can no 

 longer afford to keep a cow the entire year for raising one calf to be 

 used as a feeding steer. 



For the last four years the Kansas Experiment Station has almost 

 continuously been conducting experiments in rearing and feeding calves 

 on skim-milk or substitutes for skim-milk. The material given in this 

 bulletin is the result of our experience. 



Care of Cow before Calving. Strong, thrifty calves can-not be ex- 

 pected from cows that have received poor feed and poor care previous to 

 calving time. The cow must be supplied with wholesome and nutritious 

 feed, containing the elements that are necessary to the proper develop- 

 ment of bone and muscle in the fetus. It is better for the cow, and we 

 believe better for her record in the production of milk and butter-fat, 

 if she can go dry for six or eight weeks previous to calving. If it is 

 impossible to dry her up without injuring the udder, continuous milking 

 should be practiced. 



Where the cow has access to good pasture with plenty of spring-water 

 she needs little or no attention until two or three days before calving. 

 If she has secluded, shady and otherwise comfortable quarters separate 

 from the other cattle, and is carefully watched by an attendant she may 

 need no other attention until after the calf is dropped. Sometimes 

 luxuriant pastures will stimulate heavy milkers to produce too much milk 

 prior to calving, m which case the supply of feed should be reduced, and 

 in extreme cases the milk removed before calving. 



When kept on dry feed care should be taken to provide plenty of suc- 

 culence. Ensilage and roots serve an excellent purpose, the object being 

 to keep the bowels loose. When alfalfa or clover hay is used for rough- 

 ness very little grain is necessary. With less nitrogenous rough feeds, 

 a grain mixture of two-thirds bran and one-third oil-meal is excellent. 

 Soy beans may be used as a substitute for oil-meal. 



