548 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



"Roots. — These give a great stimulus to feeding and digestion, yet I 

 would not use them to excess. A few judiciously fed as a relish or 

 appetizer to the meals is, I think, sufficient. There is little solid matter 

 in turnips. Analysis teaches us that turnips contain 90 to 92 per cent 

 of water, and mangolds 88 per cent; so a bullock as they used to be 

 fed in my younger day in Scotland, consuming 150 pounds of turnips 

 daily, was compelled to take thirteen and a half gallons of water with 

 fifteen pounds of dry food. With cold weather and roots at a very 

 low temperature, imagine what an absorption of caloric must be taken 

 from the stomach and system of the ox, which has to raise to the 

 digestive temperature thirteen and a half gallons of water at 40 or 50 

 degrees. Before long ensilage will take the place of roots. 



"Water. — As I have stated, you should offer the stock water four 

 times daily. Always water before feeding, never after; and let me here 

 advise that wherever at all practical every one handling stock should 

 take off the chill from the drinking water during the winter months. 

 Heating apparatus is now contained in small space, and is moderate in 

 price. 



"Exercise. — It is a general practice among exhibitors of stock to run 

 their show cattle at pasture during the night, instead of keeping them 

 in roomy, well-littered boxes and soiling them in moderation with 

 clover and other green feed. This turning-out system I thoroughly 

 condemn; it is the cause of great bodily waste and loss of fat; yet at 

 times there may be some special reason for it, such as an animal's going 

 off his feed or becoming rickety on his legs. My system is to keep the 

 animals in boxes all day and turn them into an open court for two 

 hours in the cool of the evening; then they will give themselves 

 abundant exercise and be glad to return to their boxes with a keen 

 appetite for their hot supper. When out take care they do not get access 

 to anything they can eat. A show animal should never be allowed 

 to consume any food except what is laid before him. By exercising in 

 a yard they have no opportunity of resting on the cold ground, of ex- 

 posures to cold dews, or wet nights, or filling themselves with washy 

 grass, depriving them of their appetite and keeping them from con- 

 suming a full amount of grain-feed. I consider that keeping cattle 

 housed by day and night is one of the great secrets of getting them 

 in first-class form. Have their beds well littered and comfortable for 

 them on their return to their boxes, so that they may enjoy their rest 

 and groan that sweet music of contentment so charming to the breeder's 

 ear. 



"Calf Feeding. — In forcing a calf there is no way so satisfactory as 

 abundance of milk, pure and simple, from the udder. If the calf's 

 dam has not sufficient to raise him or her to perfection then have a 

 nurse in addition; if one is not sufficient give two, and if necessary add 

 a third. Always teach your show calves to steal; that is, to suckle 

 every cow they are offered. The advantage of this is evident. When 

 required they will take to any cow, whereas if you confine them to 

 one nurse and wish to add to their milk they will, after four or six 

 months of age, invariably refuse the fresh udder. Teach them to steal 

 and all udders are alike to them. Be particular as to the formation 



